Can Google+ and Google Places generate more visitors to my business website? Yes.
GOOGLE PLACES:
This is the easiest to understand for a small business. When people search on Google for a local product or service (that is, they include a city name in the search), the results page usually shows a list of special listings along with a map with pins. These listings are Google Places entries. They typically are near the top of the Google search results page, often even above the normal organic website listings. So your Google Places listing can often be more important than website SEO in generating visitors to your website. And when you do create your Google Places account, follow the rules on this page:
support.google.com/places/answer/107528?hl=en
GOOGLE+:
People often think Google+ is just a competitor to Facebook and they don't want another Social Media "thing" to worry about. But that's too narrow a view of Google+. Since Google owns the most powerful and used search engine service in the world, they have amazing influence. So to be frank, Google+ can improve your chances of being found on the web... and that translates into more business.
So what should you do if you have a small business that serves customers mostly in and around a city?
1. Create a Google Places business listing immediately. You may want to get the advice of a consultant to ensure you get the most benefit from this effort. The Google Places account is free.
2. Create a personal Google+ account using your own name. You will be able to include a link to your business website. Here again, it might be helpful to get some advice how to best use your Google+ account.
By Joe Seidler
www.internetmarketingsanfran.com
