As the world’s most trusted search engine, Google dominates the web. In addition to a powerful search engine, Google provides tons of other free services to Internet users. You can receive transcripts of your voicemails in text through Google Voice; you can peruse your favorite blogs and Internet publications with Google Reader; and you can use Gmail, Google’s web-based e-mail service—all for free. For local businesses, Google Places is another free service that has also become an effective marketing tool.
What is Google Places Anyways?
Google Places was launched in 2009. Google envisioned a web page for every address in the world where important information on each location was compiled on one page. All types of businesses utilize Google Places to attract local Internet users who are searching for specific services on the web. Although Google Places is free to register, it is very competitive. Google will only fill seven local businesses in a specific category on the first page of results.
Benefits of Google Places for Dentists
With Google Places, a dentist can upload photos of their dentist office, link his or her Google Places page to a dental practice website or blog, and provide necessary information such as a telephone number to potential patients. Google Places also allows for reviews of each location, too. Many business owners covet reviews on Google Places and provide incentives that encourage customers to leave reviews. Although there are plenty of websites where consumer or patient reviews are posted, Google Places has one unique feature—business owners can publicly address and/or refute negative reviews.
Claiming a location on Google Places may help drive traffic to your website and establish local familiarity with your dental practice. More than likely, any free opportunity to increase public visibility is an effort that is well worth your time.