If you are a small business owner, one great way to gain more exposure for your business is by having a Google Places page.  Having your business listed on Google Places allows people that are doing a local search to find you.  Additionally, it also allows you to promote your business in a way that will increase traffic to your website.  Here's why you need to take advantage of this great tool:

It's Doesn't Cost You Anything

Well, accept a few minutes of your time to set it up.  Simple go to www.google.com/places and follow the simple steps to get going.

Your Business Will Appear In Local Searches

When your potential customers enter local search terms, like "business coaches in Chicago", your page will appear in the listing of all the businesses that fit that search term, as well as indicate your location on Google maps.  This is ideal if you are looking to attract local clients and customers to you!

You Can List All Sorts of Useful Information About Your Business

Your Google places page includes a description of your business, your location and address, you phone and e-mail address, as well as your website URL.  This will help make it easy for people to contact you, and will also drive more traffic to your website.

Clients and Customers Can Write Testimonials on Your Business

Just like Yelp and other social media sites, Google places allows your customers to write testimonials for you and your business.  This will help you to attract more clients, and really attracts people to your business through online referrals.

If you aren't currently utilizing Google Places, you should be!  This is a great free online tool that will help you grow your business, and it only takes a few minutes of your time to take advantage of it!

Tom Kelly is a Profession Business Coach that specializes in working with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and salespeople. He can be reached at (773) 907-0921, or at www.businesscoachchicago.com.

Copyright © Tom Kelly, Potential In Motion, Inc.^TM 2011