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Here is a good article about Google Places:

Seems Google is giving Places customers more control over locations.

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/ ... -over.html

Hey all

http://www.bestrank.com/blog/google-pla ... -i-survive

Basically Google places is going to be a necessity for any business. Google knows these businesses were once making money from being in top spot, and now....it’s Google’s turn for Pay back!

There is NO published firm way (just like SEO) on how to best gain top Spot. However that is all about to change with Google Boost:

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2010 ... -with.html

Just like with AdWords, one is now to going to be able to BID on getting top spot in the Sponsored Links area for their Local Places account.

I think we all need to have a meeting on this ASAP. Pitching SEO to get one ranked organically just doesn’t cut it anymore. The above links showcase that survival on Google just isn’t about SEO & PPC anymore!

Good Call Anthony. I think the best thing to do is make sure that we always follow the best practices in Social Media, Linking, Google Places, PPC and ALL the other online tools that affect the rankings. In the end, it will all pay off whether it be in local search or organic . Google pays off those who follow the rules.

Look forward to further discussing this and thanks for the insight!

Hey guys

After spending a through amount of time researching, I have come to some constant conclusions about Google Places in terms of what helps one rank higher:

1) Title Tag Relevance in comparison to the keyword searched is VERY important. Which means that a client will now have to firmly come up with 1 - 3 MAIN keywords to focus on if they want to be ranked locally

2) Ensure that the listing is claimed in Google Places and is verified. Tons of listings were generated automatically by crawling Yellow Page style directories, but they hold very little authority.

3) Obtain Links/Citations From Local Authority Sites
http://www.netmagellan.com/superpages-c ... -1108.html
http://www.seomoz.org/blog/one-dead-sim ... ogle-local

4) Constantly encourage Customers To Rate & Review Your Business -

5) Additional areas of the places page MUST be filled out. This can be done by providing Images, Videos & Coupons

Resources to check out to firm your knowledge of Google Places:
Check out this endless ongoing discussion about Ranking Importance factors: http://www.davidmihm.com/local-search-r ... tors.shtml

Best Practices for Positive Review Encouragement: http://www.searchinfluence.com/2009/09/ ... -rankings/