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Thank you Miriam,

That really helps. I think we are probably wasting our time even worrying about this then. We have the #1 organic for all the keyword variations, above the places listing. So, based on the info you have provided, better to just leave it and not mess with it.

Thank you so much Miriam for the very helpful replies!!

T.

Hi Kyle & Miriam

I appreciate your answers, but part of the confusion lies in the fact that we have absolutely everything else nailed down, and yet we can't get the site to rank for the keyword variations in google places.

The site has the most positive (legit) reviews in its niche, ranks #1 in google places for its main term, has 400+ pages of content on the site and incredible organic rankings... and the website even ranks above the google places 7-pack for its keyword variations...

And yet... for its keywod variations (plural, ing, companies) it does not show up in google places. And yet the organic listing is actually above the 7-pack places listing for these variations.

Does having an organic ranking above the google places listing make it less likely that they will list your places listing? I wouldn't think so, as I've seen it before where a site ranks both #1 organically above the places listing then also ranks within the places listing on the same SERP.

Thanks for your responses guys...

Hi all,

I have a site that is ranking #1 in Google Places for its main <city><keyword>search... but it does not rank for any of its basic keyword variations, which I find very confusing.</keyword></city>

ie (just an example)

Chicago Caterer (ranked #1 in google places)
Chicago Caterers (not ranked in google places)
Chicago Catering (not ranked in google places)
Chicago Catering Company (not ranked in google places)
Chicago Catering Companies (etc..)

How can I secure a google places ranking for these simple keyword variations? Do I build links to the google plus page using that anchor text? Do I get citations that contain that keyword somewhere on the page? Do I optimize for these keyword variations on the actual website itself? (not the places listing).

Obviously I don't stuff these keywords into the google places listing.

Any help would be much appreciated!