SmallBusinessNewz

Late last year, Google started sending brick and mortar businesses decals to put on their windows. These had barcodes that people could scan with their phones, which would bring up business listings. The businesses that received these were deemed "favorite places" by Google.

The company started by sending out decals to over 10,000 businesses in the U.S. They are now expanding this, and are actually offering businesses tips for becoming a "favorite place." These are as follows:

1.Log in to Local Business Center with your Google account (or create a new one) at google.com/lbc

2. Enter information for your business listings and verify that you are the business owner or authorized business listing manager by 12am PST on March 1. This means that you need to enter the PIN number that you receive by mail or by phone call by this deadline. You should allow 5-10 business days for your pin to arrive by mail - so get going now! If you are given the option to verify your listing by phone, the PIN will be delivered to you by an automated phone call within seconds. (Be sure to be ready to write it down).

3. If you're identified as a Favorite Place, expect your decal with custom QR code to arrive within a few weeks. We'll let everyone know when the mailings have started to go out. You can learn more about the selection process here.

Businesses who have already verified their listings since October are already eligible to become a "favorite place." That doesn't necessarily mean you will get a decal, but you have to be verified to be considered. Businesses that were already verified before October have already been considered, and shouldn't expect a decal, because if they were going to get one, they would've by now.

The decals all have unique bar codes that can be scanned by a users' mobile device. It will take them to the business' Place Page, which may feature reviews, coupons, etc.