Google Places is a core part of Google's local search and maps platforms. It allows businesses to claim and enhance their free listing, which includes adding photos, videos, offers and reviews. To get the most benefit, businesses should set up a separate Google account for their business listing, add high-quality details and photos, encourage reviews, and claim listings on other citation sites to feed back to Google Places. They should also consider Google Boost advertising to get a blue pin effect on maps and drive more local traffic.

1. Putting Google Places to Work!Cobb Social Media Meetup @Ed_Peterson www.cornerstoremedia.com

2. Why Google Places? http://www.businessinsider.com/google-search-share-2011-4

4. Cornerstone of Google Maps

5. Feeding ground for Google’s focus on small business products

7. Don’t duplicate a listing if your business already has a Google Places profile. Go through the process to claim your business.

9. The first image you upload will default to your profile pic. It’s hip to be square!

10. Default to Google’s suggestions when choosing your business category.

13. How to Get Reviews Requesting a recommendation on your invoice is OK, but requests made in person are more likely to be acted upon. When making a recommendation request, be sure to suggest a specific site or network. Show your appreciation. Keep it real. You will inevitably begin receiving solicitations from services offering to ghostwrite positive reviews for cash. Avoid these like the plague!

14. Citation Feeds Google mines parallel platforms for content and reviews to populate Goggle Places profiles Citations are a permanent part of your profile. Own your adjacent profiles, don’t let them own you. Be sure your business listing in replicated on Yelp, Bing Business Portal, and Yahoo Local Listing. Also list on Yellowpages.com, Citysearch, Insider Pages and Super Pages. Check Whitespark search to ID the best local citation feeds for your business. Great list here, too.

15. Google Boost New advertising platform for small businesses. Combines very basic Google AdWords functions with ads within Google Maps Prominent Blue Pin effect Basic analytics, flexible budgeting Worth investigating for your consumer business

16. Fog the Mirror! Keep an eye on your listing and those of your key competitors. Be on the lookout for new services and discontinued programs. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Use good ‘ol boy analytics - ask your customers “How did you find me?” Get serious about mobile search!