Places Google Ranking Factors in 2012

In order for a good ranking in Google Places to determine the factors responsible, the local search results were studied by almost 15,000 searches for the presence of certain characteristics.

Factors in Integrated Results

- Having the primary category match a broader category of the search category
- Having the category or search a name synonymous in the business
- Having the search category or a synonym in "at a glance"
- Having five or more Google reviews
- Having photos (at least one)

Factors in Pure Local Results

- Having five or more Google reviews
- Having the city in search "at a glance"
- Having the search category or a content synonymously in review
- Having the search category or a synonym in the business description
- Having the search category or a synonym in "at a glance"
- Having the primary category match the search category
- Having the search category or a synonym in the business name in
- Having a secondary business category that was a broader category than the category search
- Having at least one photo
- Owner verified

Hope you will get most of it. Share if you have any more suggestions and ideas for the betterment of the rankings.