Hi, Back when I started my site, I registered for google local as I am a dog walker and it seemed to make sense. Though now I am near the top of this listing, I realise that it doesnt show your site title and description, so you dont stand out at all in the serps. If my site is powerful enough it will sit in one of the two positions at the top of the organic search, just before the google places listing, otherwise I will be under google places and below the fold. Anyone else have a similar issue with this and found a solution?
Google Places is no longer existent. It has now been incorporated into Google+ and is called Google+ Local.
Google Places are no more into existence better to go for Google Plus local page. If you operate in a local area or in a certain country Google Local pages will be very helpful for you.