I’m always on the lookout for more information, more ways that I can make my website stand out. While I’m not always the first on the scene, I try to be pretty close.

One of the main reasons to be “ever vigilant” in maintaining your online presence is that once everyone starts to do it, you no longer stand out. The first chiropractor to have a website in the area probably got some early traction and looked more professional. Now, everyone has a website (or should).

Then doctors started adding more pictures, coupons, and videos to their sites. Social media has come on the scene fast and furious, making every business realize that they’d better at least get a facebook fanpage set up for their business before they’re the last to figure it out.

While reviewing rankings for some of my clients, I started to notice little yellow tags just below some of the Google local map listings. Of course I thought, “That’s great! What is that and how do I get one?” Turns out it’s a very simple process.

You have to have verified your Google map listing. So if you haven’t done that, find your business doing a Google “local” search. When you click on your business listing, an unconfirmed listing will say “edit this place” and “business owner?” at the top. A confirmed listing will say “owner-verified.”

You’ll need to confirm the listing, which is also super easy. Google uses an automated program that calls your office and gives you a PIN number to confirm on your account. Then you’re done!

To set up Google “tags” as it’s being called, you’ll need to be logged into “Google Places.” You’ll see an option to set up Tags (right now it’s being offered as a free trial). It’s a flat rate of $25 per month, so you’re not paying “per click” as is often the case.

If your profile is complete, you’ll see all available options. You can have the tag say “visit our website,” “check out our pictures,” or “check out our videos.” The best option is if you’ve created a coupon within Google on your account. There you’ll see the title for whatever you’ve called your coupon.

So you can have the little words on the tags say things like “First visit free” or “Find out why we’re so good” or “New Patient Special.” I’m in the midst of trying this out right now, so I’ll update my clients as to what worked the best for me.

Be an early adopter and keep looking for ways to help your business stand out. Soon, everyone will be using “tags” and it will be more and more difficult to make your message stand out from the crowd.