Google announced “Google Boost” as an addition to Google Places. This is shortly after changing Google Maps to Places. The map is now on the right, the seven pack has been removed and the Google local results are mixed in with the organic search results.

This will allow small business owners to participate in Pay-Per-Click advertising without having to spend time learning how to use AdWords.

If you own a business that operates locally this could be a change for the better in regards to your web presence.

Boost is tied to Google Places, so you’ll need a Places account if you want to use Boost. If you haven’t signed up for Google Places you can do so for no charge. Google places shows up in Google search and Maps.

The idea behind it is to give local business greater visibility to their potential customers. Local businesses often find themselves competing with national or global websites. Boost is designed to provide a local result when that is the most appropriate response for the search query.

Google is testing Boost in three markets: Chicago, San Francisco and Houston. Once Boost becomes available in your area local businesses will be able to design ads directly from your Places account.

The ads will consist of basic company information, in addition to information such as reviews you have, your rating, and a link to your Places page. The ads will appear in the Sponsored Links section of Google.com and Google Maps pages and, just like with traditional search ads, will appear based on the ads’ quality and the keywords and location information entered by the searcher.

Here is what a Boost ad looks like; the blue marker indicates the advertised business.

To create your ad, you’ll need to write a short description, decide where you want traffic to go, either your website or Places page. Then select your categories and choose a monthly budget.

Boost ads show up when users search for local businesses; they appear in the “sponsored links” section of Google’s web search and Google Maps, as well. Ads will display when the appropriate combination of vertical keyword (e.g., Dentists) and location keyword (e.g., Chicago) is met.
The Initial setup is simple, and campaign management is automatic. All you need to do is set a budget, and Google’s advertising algorithm takes care of the details of frequency and placement. There is no ongoing management required, they are pushing the idea of “set and forget.”

“So what should you do to prepare for the roll out of Boost?

If don’t have a website now is the time to do it.
Engage your customers and ask them to write a review on your business, it will enhance your profile, as business that has a positive review over one that has no review allows for a better.
You may want to check how http://www.getlisted.org/
your business is listed with the major search engines

Make sure you submit your sites to local directories (insiderpages / Yelp / citysearch / HotFrog / etc)
Cost to participate starts at $100 a month. We’ll post more info as it reported.