Local Search could mean several different things to several different folks. I will try to define this term as your local listing page, for example your Google Places (Maps) page, or your Yahoo Local Business (YLB) page. You could be wondering if this is valuable for your companies online advertising strategy. The short answer is yes. Does this new term relate to SEO? Yes and no... Let me explain.
In Late October Google changed the method Local Search was generated and displayed in their Search Engine Rankings. You remember the Google 10-pack that became the Google 7-pack? When Google made the adjustment the classic 7-pack went away, the map moved to the right and now the Places pages seemed to have merged with the URL for that business. Also, Google integrated the 7-pack (some cases the 1-pack) right into the organic search results.
Due to this, SEO has merged with Places and they've become intertwined. So for all those business owners out there that do not have a website and are on Google Places, you should think about getting a website soon. It does have an affect on your Places account. With out an SEO friendly website and local citation building, most businesses will not stay on the first page of "red pin" land forever.
Why would Google make these drastic changes? And, have we seen the end of the changes that Google will make? Google estimates that 75%-85% of the searches are for something local and 85% of those lead to an action. It's no surprise Google is changing, they want to give their users the most accurate search information available. Whether you're looking for a localized plumber, a dentist or a store, Google wants you to discover them. The rumors are Google is looking at being a local search engine within two years. Adios Dex direct and Yellow Book.
I have noticed that Google has cached my clients Maps pages twice since January 1st. Why is this significant? It would take months to create/claim a listing and then start to see your citation building efforts payoff. Now it appears that Google has begun making Places/Maps listing much more relevant.
In conclusion, if you are a business owner and have not claimed your Google Places account yet, do it, or hire someone who will. There is definitely tricks to optimizing and making your maps page rise to the top. It has to do with the power of your website, Places page, and citations.
In Late October Google changed the method Local Search was generated and displayed in their Search Engine Rankings. You remember the Google 10-pack that became the Google 7-pack? When Google made the adjustment the classic 7-pack went away, the map moved to the right and now the Places pages seemed to have merged with the URL for that business. Also, Google integrated the 7-pack (some cases the 1-pack) right into the organic search results.
Due to this, SEO has merged with Places and they've become intertwined. So for all those business owners out there that do not have a website and are on Google Places, you should think about getting a website soon. It does have an affect on your Places account. With out an SEO friendly website and local citation building, most businesses will not stay on the first page of "red pin" land forever.
Why would Google make these drastic changes? And, have we seen the end of the changes that Google will make? Google estimates that 75%-85% of the searches are for something local and 85% of those lead to an action. It's no surprise Google is changing, they want to give their users the most accurate search information available. Whether you're looking for a localized plumber, a dentist or a store, Google wants you to discover them. The rumors are Google is looking at being a local search engine within two years. Adios Dex direct and Yellow Book.
I have noticed that Google has cached my clients Maps pages twice since January 1st. Why is this significant? It would take months to create/claim a listing and then start to see your citation building efforts payoff. Now it appears that Google has begun making Places/Maps listing much more relevant.
In conclusion, if you are a business owner and have not claimed your Google Places account yet, do it, or hire someone who will. There is definitely tricks to optimizing and making your maps page rise to the top. It has to do with the power of your website, Places page, and citations.
About the Author:
A-Shift Technology, a Boise SEO company, can claim/create your business a Google Places listing, Optimize that listing and make your business climb past the other "Red Pins" until you are at the top. We offer Local Search Optimization, and are the topBoise SEO company.
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