Google Places Pages Update

Until now, business owners who had their business listed on Google Places (also known as Google Maps), could not respond to customer reviews. Now they can.

In order to leave a response, owners first need to verify their identity by claiming their listing. Once you have claimed your listing, follow these instructions.

As a verified Google Places business owner, you can publicly respond to maps.google.com reviews on the Place Page. First, we’d recommend reading our handy tips on how to respond to reviewers. Then take a stab at responding, by following the instructions below.

1. Log into your Google Account. Be sure it is the account that has claimed your business listing.
2. Visit your listing’s Place Page.
3. Scroll to the reviews section of the Place Page.
4. Click Respond publicly as the owner.
5. Write a response. Don’t forget our guidelines for responding.
6. Click Publish. The review will show publicly as a Response from the owner.

Now you will be able to respond to your reviews. Google has also created a set of tips and guidelines to help you respond to reviewers. Successful businesses listen to their customers feedback and respond in positive ways.

I highly recommend that if you own a business, you make sure that it is listed in Google Places. Having your business listed in Google Places, puts you on the map. It does not matter if you are a home based business or a store in the mall, Google Places can help you gain exposure.

In Google Places you can add a logo, photos, business hours, address, phone number, website address, a description of your business, payment options, videos, parking information, brands carried and more.

"Claiming is the right thing to do, but building out your profile
with great information is what helps rankings."
--Matt McGee

Getting your business listed on Google maps also helps with local SEO (Search Engine Optimization). When someone Google's for instance, Chinese restaurants and a specific city, the first thing you see before web links is Google Map listings.

Take time each week and check on your reviews. I don't believe you need to say thank you to each positive review... one blanket thank you should be enough. I do recommend that if someone gives you a bad review, not to blow your top, but to respond to the reviewer with an apology and tell them you will address the issue and fix it. As new people read your reviews and see that you handled negativity with a positive attitude, they will be more apt to give you their business.

Read 10 Tips to Improving Your Local Google Listing