Google Places is essentially a business directory within Google Maps. It is important that your business takes advantage of this. People doing searches for local businesses, will be presented with a map plotting businesses that are listed with Google Places. Every SEO (search engine optimization) plan should include optimization to address this. Here are are a couple steps that will ensure you appear above your competitors.

1. Claim Your Business - This is the first step you should take and it is important. Make sure you visit Google Places and claim your business. Your business may be showing up in search results already, but Google favors businesses that have been claimed because they assume the information provided is more up to date and reliable. This single step, could make your business appear in local Google searches.

2. Business Address In City of Search - This may not be something you can control, but Google does consider proximity to the City Center in their Google Places rankings. This is one major determining factor in how they rank businesses. If you have multiple locations, choose the one closest to the heart of the city you want to show up in searches for.

3. Fill profile - You are able to fill out your profile when you claim a business. The more full a profile, the higher the weight Google lends to that profile. Fill out as many fields as possible. Fill out your contact info, hours and payment methods. Make sure you include pictures Google includes 10 spots for your pictures, and I suggest filling them all. Include pics of your business, staff and/or products. If you can get customers to add reviews, that is also a big factor in rankings.

4. Proper Categories - Make sure you choose the proper business categories. Don't add a dozen categories hoping to show up in more searches. Just choose the categories relevant to your business. Google will penalize you in Google Place rankings for category stuffing. They will also penalize you if you are in the wrong category.

These four steps are very simple, and are they keys to optimizing your Google Places listing. With Search Engine Optimization becoming all that more important, you must remember that local SEO needs to be addressed. One in Five Google searches are local based, so take advantage of that now by harnessing the power of Google Places.