A possible response in case you actually come across this objection… (in response to the question: “Most people don’t make it past Google Places when looking for a local business. It’s difficult to persuade a business owner on site rental when Google Places takes up the entire first fold of Googles results page.”)
“Being on the first page of Google with a listing on Google Places is great, but it’s no substitute for having your own website.
A Google Places listing contains very limited information about you and your services.
If the prospect isn’t convinced by that limited information and goes in search of your competitors (who have websites), you’ve probably lost that lead forever.
With a website, however, you can provide unlimited content about you, your services, and how your prospects can benefit from doing business with you.
You can promote specials.
You can CAPTURE LEADS, keep in touch, and turn those leads into paying customers.
Most importantly, with a website you have control.
A Google Places listing, on the other hand, is not owned by you, it’s owned by (and at the mercy of) Google.
My suggestion is that you have both.
A great Google Places listing that links to your website!”