Google Places Moving To G+ Local

Google Places is where local businesses can build a profile to help with search.
It used to look like this:

But that's gone. Now Google Places has been replaced with G+ Local. And it will let you set up your profile for your business like this.  The arrow point to where you can put photographs, a map, and now new reviews that are posted on Zagat.

Google+ Local For Local Search Helps You Get Found Online

G+ Local has not rolled out for my account to date so I'm not sure if it is available in Australia yet but it will be soon I expect. In the meantime if you are able to set up a Google Places page you may be able to get started on your verification process that does take time and requires a pin number to be sent to you by regular mail to finalise. Your Google Places account should transfer into the new system. Just go to Google and search for Google Places and it will take you to the page.

Google Place and G+ Local are both free products you can use for promoting your business on Google and is well worth doing. Don't be conned by those who tell you that it costs. Help costs. The platform doesn't.

G+ is your personal profile on Google and it is in your interests to start your account here too. Google + Business Pages are also available for you to post news for your business and engage with your customers and network.  You can find my Google Page by clicking on the icon on the sidebar of this blog. There are real benefits to your website too, in securing your authenticated ID through G+ and I'd be happy to explain that to you if you would like to give me a call.

Has your Google Places account been updated to G+ Local yet? Let me know if you have!