Tag: local search

Google Places Out, Google+Local In

Google announced the launch of Google+local this week — a move which effectively converted more than 80 million Google Places pages into Google+local pages. So, if you didn’t get around to creating a Google+ page yet, you can thank Google for getting you started.

Local information integrated across Google

Of course, there’s a reason for all this, not the least of which is to gain more traction for Google+.  Users can now click on the new “Local” tab on the bottom left-hand side of Google+ to search for specific places or browse for locations. If you click on a restaurant, or a place, you’ll be taken to a local Google+ page that includes photos, Zagat scores and summaries, reviews from people you know and trust, and other useful information like address and opening hours.

As part of the move, Google replaced its five-star review system with the Zagat 30-point rating scale. Google has also added depth to the reviews by adding ratings on service, atmosphere and the like. Individual scores will be rated on a zero to 3 point scale, averaged and then multiplied by 10 to create an average score where 26-30 is near perfection and 0-9 is poor to fair.

26-30Extraordinary to perfection
21-25Very good to excellent
16-20Good to very good
10-15Fair to good
0-9Poor to fair

What’s a business to do?

For now, according to the Google and Your Business Blog, businesses should continue to update their company  info via their Google Places page, but eventually this will be phased out. If you already had a Google+ business page, you might check to be sure you don’t have two.

“If you are a business owner, you should continue to manage your information in Google Places for Business,”said Jen Fitzpatrick, VP Engineering, in the Google and Your Business Blog. “You’ll still be able to verify your basic listing data, make updates, and respond to reviews. For those who use AdWords Express, your ads will operate as normal as they’ll automatically redirect people to the destination you selected, or your current listing,”

Implications for local search

There is good news for savvy marketers who have already mastered Google+ because now these pages will be indexed and available across across all Google properties including search, maps and mobile. If you haven’t yet started on Google+, now is a great time to start. But like it or not, your low maintenance Google Places page is now a full blown social media site that needs your attention. Its time to expand your social circles, encourage reviews and engage your followers with great content. Google+ is flexing its local muscle.

 

 

 

 

Even Small Mistakes Can Cause Problems for Local Search Rankings

Google Places LogoI recently completed a Google search on a client’s business name and noticed that several listings on sites such as Merchant Circle, Yellow Pages and MacCrae’s Business Directory included an incorrect address. Still other listings were incomplete, providing little if any information about the client’s commercial real estate business.

It’s important that content on external sites is both accurate, informative and consistent. Mismatched name, address and phone data can cause confusion for search engines as well as  humans. The end result will be lower rankings in local searches.

You can identify outdated information on pages throughout the web by searching for the old address or phone number on Google. Check through the results and and note the pages that need to be updated. Keep a record of sites where you are listed, so that if you do have a change, you know what sites need to be updated. Input your address and phone the exact same way in every listing. For example, if you spell out Avenue on one listing, don’t list it as “Ave.” on another listing. Make sure that the information is communicated to anyone who may be involved in securing links or listings for your company.

To avoid confusing the search engines, avoid using the same phone number with two Google places. A local  phone number will help connect the business to a local market better than an 800 number. And finally, be sure to include a physical address somewhere on your website.

Local search is of increasing importance to many B2B marketers, but most companies have a lot of questions. We’re here to help you find the answers and increase your success in Internet marketing.