With Google Places you can do the following to promote your business.
1. Localized Search Results: Get listed on top search results for FREE for your area.
2. Mobile Search: Getting your business listed in mobile search results makes it easier to find.
3. Ratings and Reviews: Add coupons and get reviews from local directories like Yelp and Kudzu.
4. Reporting: See traffic reports of how your listing is performing and which keywords bring your site traffic.
5. Brand Recognition: Promote your brand if you have several locations you can optimize each business listing for that area.
Here are a range of business listings I have optimized:
Anaheim Visitors Guide
Nickel City Amusement Center
Life Technologies Corporation
Alta Alps Chalet - Utah
Guardian Electric Sacramento
John D. Neuenswander DDS
