How to Maintain a Business Online Presence with Google Places

Set Up Account

1. Type google.com/places into your web browser. Click on 'Places for Business.'

2. Sign in with your existing Google.com or Google Adsense account.

3. Click on 'Create an Account Now' if you do not have a Google.com account. Fill in the 'Required information for Google account' and the 'Get started with Google Places' information. Go to your email address and click on the link provided to verify the account. On the Google accounts page, click on 'Click here to continue'.

List Your Business

4. Type in your Country or find it in the drop-down box. Fill in your business phone number. Click on 'Find business information.'

5. Click on the 'Edit' button if your business is displayed. Click on 'Add a new listing' if your business is not displayed. Fill in as much information on this 'Basic Information' page as you can. The information that is added including payment options, photos and videos will ensure your listing is accurate and informative.

6. Add unique information to your listing under 'Additional Details.' This can include categories, such as parking options, brands of merchandise carried, coupons offered, unique projects made and even weekly deals offered online or in your place of business. Put the headline in the first box and the details in the second box. Click 'Add another' to add more categories. Click on the 'Submit' button.

7. Validate your listing by choosing 'By phone' or 'By postcard.' Click 'Finish.' If you chose to validate by phone, you will immediately receive a phone call providing you with a PIN number. Type this PIN number in the PIN box and click on 'Go.'

Manage Your Listing

8. Edit your listing so the information is up-to-date, thorough and accurate. Log on to Google Places to change your business information to keep the listing fresh.

9. Check your Google Places account to see how many page impressions it has received. To increase your visibility on the Internet and help users find your business, click on the link in the resource area for 'Google Places Help for business owners.'

10. Check your Google Places listing for reviews. Respond to reviews by logging into you Google account, and clicking on your Place page. Scroll to the reviews section and click on 'Respond publicly as the owner.' Write a response and click on 'Publish.'