Google is now allowing business owners to purchase a "Google Tag" for their map listing. This Tag helps to make your map listing stand out on the page. It was not too long ago that when you searched for a local service on Google all you received were a list of web pages. Over the past few years Google started to integrated Map Listings into its Search Engine Results Listings. This created an opportunity for Small Local Businesses to gain exposure for their services in their local area. Now an even greater opportunity has surfaced. Business owners can now purchase a Tag that makes their Map Listing stand out from the crowd.

The cost for this Tag is just $25 per month. As far as I am concerned, that is a small price to pay to differentiate your listing. You have the option to promote a specific feature of your place listing with this tag:

- Photos of your business
- Videos of your business
- Coupons for your listing
- Menu for your restaurant
- Reservations page for your business
- Posts for your business

Some of the benefits of a Tag Listing are:
- Easily and inexpensively highlight your listing on Google from Google Places.
- Potential customers in your local area will see what you think is most important or unique about your business.
- Track the effectiveness of your tag with your Google Places dashboard.
- You will be charged a low $25 flat monthly fee, with no bids and no keywords required.
- There is no additional work or ongoing management is needed.

To add a Tag to your listing, you just need to log into your Google Places account www.google.com/places and click "add a tag". If you are a business owner and still haven't claimed your Map Listing on Google, I suggest you get to it right away. If you already have claimed your listing then I recommend purchasing a Google Tag to make your listing stand out from the crowd.