Google Places
According to Google, one out of five searches on Google are related to local businesses.
In a direct reaction to this increasing demand for information about local businesses, Google introduced Place Search in October 2010. Designed to display local information in simple, comprehensive way, Place Search dramatically affects the way locally targeted search results appear.
First, Place Search automatically generates results when Google predicts that users are searching for local information. Then, it essentially consolidates local information from the Web. This includes organic listings as well as local business pages on the Google Places platform. Google combines all of this information to streamline the search experience.
What does Place Search Mean for Businesses with Local Listings?
With a focus on local information, managing your local listings, from Google Places to Internet Yellow Pages (IYP) directories, is as important as ever. As this focus intensifies, the importance of robust listings (complete with optimized business information) will only grow.
Business owners need to be proactive by taking the necessary steps toward accurate business listings. Local-listings management means providing Google with accurate, timely business information. As search becomes more enhanced, so, too, must the data you provide about your business. Consider including information that is above and beyond the basic requirements (i.e., business name, address, city, state, ZIP, phone and URL). Of particular importance is the inclusion of images and logos for each Google Places Page.
Because of Place Search, the mere presence of a Google Places Page will be critical for your brand’s online presence and search ranking. In fact, verifying your Google Places Page will continue to be a local search best practice. That’s because local listings/results are now prominently highlighted on the search results page, with a red map pin, a review quote, links to review sites and an image.
Businesses Need to Have a Comprehensive Search Presence
Consumers tend to be savvy searchers, but that only goes so far, as businesses must proactively develop a comprehensive search presence with essential information.
In the absence of successful searches, one of three consumers abandon their searches altogether. One cause of this is the information provided about local businesses. In fact, 17 percent are dissatisfied with the information provided when searching for local businesses online or via mobile devices. The most-common reason for being dissatisfied is the inability to find the desired businesses.
To help enhance your local listings with relevant information, maximize your distribution. For example, Google Places collects consumer-created reviews from various sites, which receive listings information a large network of local and national online directories. Optimized information from these directories contributes to a first-page ranking and can aid in providing Google with valuable reviews and content to aid in purchase decisions.
The majority of local-business searches are conducted online, with 70 percent of consumers citing online sites as their primary sources.
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To schedule a consultation with Tim McGarvey, call (212) 789-9077. Tim will meet with you in person to assess the optimal positioning of your business in the local market to enable you to connect with your current and potential customer bases through the use of Google Maps and Google Places.
Next Page: Why Should I be Using Google Places?
