Google Places Demo; follow us through setting up a new site.
Test is on two sites. They have NO presence on local search. They do have websites, with little or no content and do not appear on any local search for top keywords.
3/21 - validation error was due to trying to set up two businesses on one account. I removed one, and it went through. Got the PIN in about a week. Claimed the page today. Set up all info; instructed owner on how to capture reviews/recommendations.
Another key; Google Places hates PO boxes. They WILL mail a PIN to a PO box, and you'll think "AHA, I made it" but then the account will be rejected for "editorial content". Workaround; use a UPS mailbox that uses suite numbers.
3/7 - zero traffice on Places or websites
3/7 - claimed places in Google (some error on verification, will try later)