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Google Places: What You Should Know About Verification Methods


When it comes to getting your business all set up on Google Places there are many places where the process can go awry.

Google Places Verification

Google PlacesProbably the one that causes the most confusion day in and day out, especially for those businesses who set up their Google Places page without getting help from a skilled company is in the verification of your listing.

Google Places basically offers three ways to verify that you are the real owner of the page, but the phone verification is the faster of these. It also offers plenty of ways to get it wrong.

Google Places Check-In Offers Are Now Available


Google PlacesIf you’re like many business owners, you are seeking ways to get new customers; then you’re going to find this early Christmas gift from under the Google Places tree to be a good one.

Google Places Check In Deals Are Here

Recently it was announced that Google was preparing to let businesses offer check-in deals via Google Places. And now that the program has been released for those using Google Maps for Mobile on Android, more details on how it all works are available.

In a story published today in Google Watch it was reported that “a business that chooses to distribute a Google Offer can request that users check in from Google Maps for Mobile after signing into Google+.”

Search Engine Optimization Advice: How To Get Help Optimizing Your Results


Search Engine Optimization AdviceSearch engine optimization advice is pretty easy to find. In fact, in many cases, that advice is finding you. Are you regularly receiving spam emails from unknown people, in foreign places, offering search engine optimization advice? You will if your contact information is shown on your website as most businesses do.

Here’s a word of advice, be very cautious about hiring people this way. This is just like receiving ads in the mail or getting sales people calling your telephone that you did not ask for. Check that the person or service is genuinely skilled and experienced in search engine optimization. Are they part of your local community? Do they have clients that you know or at least know of? Don’t be afraid to ask for samples of their work or to contact business owners who have used their services.

Does Your Business Pass the Google Test??


If I walked up to you this AM and asked do you use the Internet, I suspect that your answer would be ‘yes’.

If I then asked which search engine you use most often, statistics show that at least 50% or more of you would say Google.

So it would seem then that a small business owner would want to “pass the Google Test”, right?

As a report in All Business.com today revealed, being able to pass the Google Test will be the difference between success and failure for your small business.

Using Social Media as an Advantage for Small Businesses


In the uncertain economy today, some small business owners try to brand themselves by navigating through the landscape of Social Media. Google has recently released Google Plus branded pages, targeted to small business owners.

In a recently held social media conference in Los Angeles, Ms. Kirsten Wright said “small business owners should use social media in order for their business to grow”. She also identified the pitfalls that they may go to in navigating the Social Media World.