Google has a free business listing that some folks don’t know about. It’s particularly helpful for anybody with a public location (office or retail) and serves a geographic area (a small town or region). Every business should get a listing; it’s free and it can show up on Google when somebody searches for your company. It’s also where customers can leave reviews.
“Mandatory” for Retail and Restaurants
Figuratively speaking, this listing is “mandatory” for any retail business: restaurants, stores, salons, auto repair. That’s my opinion. Other businesses should set up a listing, too, but for retail, it’s even more important. Think of it this way: your competitors are already listed.
Here’s what it looks like when the public sees it.
See it live: https://www.google.com/search?q=pacesetter+media
Multiple Locations – Businesses with multiple locations can add each location and manage groups of locations.
There are a few steps like verifying your location by either a phone call or postcard mailing. And you need to enter information like address and description. Adding pictures or video is a nice touch, too.
Find More Info Here: https://www.google.com/business/
Google used to have a service called “Google Places” which has been changed to Google My Business. If you once had a Places listing, it’s been converted.
Bing Places
Bing has a similar listing service. You can find more information here.