Moving my web design company to Chicago a few months ago has kick started a re-optimization of my web site to better serve my new Chicago location. I have also created my business profile in a number of local business directories such as Yelp and Merchant Circle to build a local reputation.
In my quest for relevant directories I came across Google Offers today, a FREE marketing tool which works in conjunction with Google maps. If you would like to take advantage of this, here is the Chicago web designer’s tip of the day.
- List your business on Google Places using your Google account login information. Company name, address, telephone, email and category are required fields. Optional fields include hours of operation, photo upload e.g logo, description, and even a video upload.
- Verify your business. This is easily done by an automated phone system – the quick way or via a PIN sent to the business address. Once verified your business will appear on Google maps.
- On your main Google Places Dashboard click “Offers” and select +add new offer
- Complete the offer form and hit submit.
- Once your offer is live you can edit, pause or delete it.
Here is the offer I created today: Free website review
Enjoy!
©2011 Chicago web designer
I know a lot of people are pitting Google Offers against Groupon, but to be honest I don’t think it is the same thing at all.
With Google’s product, people had to be looking for you to begin with. Groupon offers people discounts to places/services they didn’t even know they were looking for. From my understanding, there doesn’t seem to be anytime of email newsletter advertising local Google Offers…. but maybe I’m wrong.
I’m interested to see what kind of success comes from your offer. When I googled your location using ‘maps’, the offer didn’t show up and nothing indicated you had an offer. I had to click ‘more info’ to get to your page and see it. Easy enough, but rarely do I click thru that far. I usually just get the address/phone # and am done.
Thanks for the tutorial on this… if anything, google offers seem easy to set up!
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for your comment. I have noticed the same issue when Googling my location it seems to be a bit hit and miss whether the offer shows up or not!
Wonderful Advice. I just recently set up a site on Google Places and merchant circle myself.
Belton Computers