Creating a google places listing has a number of benefits, primarily it helps you target locally based clients or customers looking for a product or service in your particular location. This is important because the vast majority of searches executed are actually for locally based businesses.

First things first, you will need a Google account. If you haven't got one then you'll need to create one and doing so is easy because you don't even need a Gmail account to do it.

What is a Google Places listing...?

Well the what is isn't that difficult to explain. It's basically a listing with a map of where you are that appears at the top of the Google search engine results and allows people to pick the nearest business to them when they are doing a search.

Why Have a Google Places Listing...?

When people are searching, generally they are looking for a local business and will prefer to do business that way as it's a short walk or drive away and can easily find the business.

It also means that your result, with a listing, will appear above your competition.

Creating a Google Places Listing

Once you have logged into your Google account simply go to Google Places and get Started with your listing.

You'll need to have an address that can receive a postcard from Google with a PIN number as this is how you verify yourself as the owner of the business and the listing.

Once that's done your listing will go live.