Getting the perfect Google Places listing is a tricky feat and something of a black art. Google have changed the playing field innumerable times in the last two years, so the trick is to go with the spirit of Google and be honest. Any attempt to manipulate the rankings will sooner or later see your listing put into the sandbox. That being said, it doesn’t mean that we are totally at the mercy of Google’s whims.

If we have taken on your listing then we will expand it with photos, but any additional photos you have can be added, even videos if you have any you feel are relevant. The only other blank we often are left with is the list of accepted methods of payment you accept. Let us know how your customers can pay and it is another box we can tick.

Aside from simply giving us the right information, there are a few things you can do which will really support your listing.

• Google+ page: Since mid-2012 Google+ (Google’s own social networking service) and Google Places have been amalgamated. By creating a page for your company in Google+ you can promote your services and so long as you are honest in what you put it will help reassure Google that you are a genuine local business.
• Reviews: Ask your customers to put some reviews on your listing. If people start saying that they got a good service from you, then it not only impresses Google, but it will impress anyone else who sees your listing. Google will eventually pick up any reviews that are posted elsewhere (Tripadvisor/Checkatrade/etc), but it takes time.
• Relevant directories: In the longer term, having a free listing in directories such as Thompson, 192.com, Yell and Freeindex will mean that Google have supporting evidence that you are who you say you are. Be careful when doing this; not only do you need to be wary about which ones you get listed with (as there are directories that will negatively affect how Google sees you), but you will also get cold called by these people offering you their paid for services (which are rarely value for money). If relevant, include yourself on Tripadvisor (but watch it like a hawk, a bad review can be costly - respond to them promptly). Checkatrade can be worth it as well, but it will cost you to get listed.

Aside from that, it is you website itself that will be what really gets your listing up the rankings. Again, links to (and from) your website to your own presence on other sites give Google more reason to believe what we tell them. If you have a Tripadvisor or Checkatrade listing with a good review then tell us and we can link to it from your website, which not only ensures that Google knows that it is relevant, but also lets your potential customers see it. If you have a Google+, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn account, then tell us and we can link to them as well. If you opt for social networking, then you need to post an update at least once a month, even it is just a photo of what you have been doing.