Google Places and Backlinks

[MBASydney]

Hi i was wondering is there much benefit in linking to the Google Places listing (e.g tohttps://plus.google.com/10524970xxxxxxxx improve its rankings and local visibility in the search results?

I've been building citations, with the correct and consistent NAP but it doesn't seem to be helping the listing improve.

I'm thinking to start linking citations like Yelp, True Local, etc to the actual GP listing

Regards,
Mike

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Mike,

Last July, I put this exact same question about linking to a Google+ Local page to Mike Blumenthal, aka Professor Maps. I think you'll really enjoy reading his thoughtful answer, which he turned into a blog post:

http://blumenthals.com/blog/2013/07/02/should-you-do-linkbuilding-to-your-g-page-for-local/

Remember that it takes time to see the benefits of citation building, and that this is only one of the things that you need to be doing to promote a local business. Paramount is ensuring that you've obeyed all guidelines and rules (haven't made mistakes), and that the website is perfectly locally optimized. In addition to citation building, there is on-going content development, earning reviews, earning links and social outreach. If you're the new kid in a competitive vertical, you've got to work hard at a variety of disciplines in order to begin to move in on already-established businesses. Discovering their weaknesses can be one way to determine areas in which you can do a better job. Local SEO requires a ton of work and a big helping of patience!

[Asjad]

Hey Mike,

Linking GP listing to citations is good idea. It's gonna help. Few more things that can push

1. Try to get reviews on GP. Push your customers to give reviews. That will help for sure
2. Try to activate Google Plus Local Page Associated. Do regular posts, try to get more Google Plus for your page. This will be going to help
3. Optimize your Google Place if not yet. This will help: http://moz.com/blog/optimizing-your-google-places-page

Regards