However, getting to the top of the SERP can be difficult, even if you research all your keywords and include text that you know your customers want to find. This is especially a problem if your business offers services or products very similar to what many other businesses are offering.

But what your competitors can't offer is your specific location. Google offers you the opportunity to create a "Google Place" for your business. These listings are free and they supplement and link to your website.

Have you noticed that when you type "cafe", that the first free listings to appear are all Google places? And they are all cafes near your current location. It's not just for restaurants. Try typing "electrical supply". Again, the Google places appear first. When I am in my office and type "website designer" , the Today Data & Web Services Google place appears at the top of the free listings. Google Places offer an incredibly easy way to get noticed by those in your own vicinity and helps give small businesses a competitive edge against big businesses for landing nearby customers.

Bing also offers a similar service called Bing Places for Business and you should register with both. Google and Bing Places are valuable for most businesses, not just those with a walk-in storefront.

Start here for Google Places.

Start here for Bing Places.

If you would like support in setting these up, just contact us.