criteria for ranking in google places

[goodbyedee]

Hello,

For our main keyword, 7 out of 10 results is from Google Places. However our Google places listing is nowhere to be found. We have completed all the details, uploaded photos, videos, etc.

What can we do to make our listing show up? Is there a special algorithm or specific criteria for a listing in Google places to rank higher? Does the SEO in the actual website play any role at all?

[rowtc2]

Validating business and getting reviews may count.

[anallawalla]

Check out some of the older discussions in this forum. Lots of theories there, but SEO of the main website isn't a determinant in my experience.

[Nyagoslav]

In fact website optimization is a major factor ever since October 2010 when the local search algorithm was divided into two. Additionally in February 2012 Google put additional value on the website SEO, so now it is practically the most major factor in local search.

Other than that, the most important purely local search ranking factor (which you have influence on) is citations. Google reviews seem not to be a direct ranking factor, but they might be indirect, i.e. they could increase the CTR + the time spend on page, which could then increase the overall relevance of the listing.

[earlpearl]

Agree w/ Nyagoslav. Two areas of focus: On the strict Maps/Places side: Get lots of citations ie directories with consistent Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP). That comes right out of a patent on Google Places....and it does seem to work.

On the SEO side....google.com rankings interact with the PAC...the 3-7-10 rankings. Build your link profile, improve your on page.

Its a 2 part process.

[anallawalla]

I should have been clearer. You do need to SEO the main site, e.g. microformats, but I meant that the main site need not be a top-10 ranker.

In your niche, where the place page is visible, where is their main website ranking in a Google Search SERP?