Put your company on the map with Google Places

We've talked quite a bit on this blog on the importance of search engine optimization so that your website shows up in prominent locations when people search online. We've also touched on the AdWords system that lets companies pay to have their ads shown alongside organic search results. But there is (at least) one more way to show up prominently in search results if your business has a physical location: Google Places.

I mentioned Places earlier this week as one of the tools to help small businesses find online success, but I figured it was worth going into a little more detail to show how easy it is. By registering with Google Places, your business will show up in Google search and maps, along with you contact info, hours, photos, and reviews if people care to leave them. Your business will also appear in map searches on a number of smartphones, including the iPhone and Android phones (Droid, Incredible, Nexus One, etc). There are also some built in features that let you provide coupons or specials for people who find you through places. Given that this is all entirely free, there is no reason to not register with Google Places if you have a brick and mortar location.

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