Search Marketing Consultant

Google has changed they way they display results for local search terms.
The local results seem to dominate the page more than before.
Previously for local searches Google displayed a local map with up to ten results from the Google Places business listings above the natural listings.
Now, the map has moved to the top right of the page and moves down the page as you scroll down.
The Local listings take up more of the page and in some cases the local listings seem to combine with the natural listings.

So if previously you had a number one listing on the local and natural listings both these listings are now conbined.
See my combined listing below

Google Local Listing combined with Natural listing

What does this mean?

Well I think the goal should be to acheive a combined listing as above.  It is a shame the paid listings appear above these.  So focusing on the natural listings as well as your Google Places listing has now become more important for local SEO.

If you run a local business or some of your target market is local then you should have a listing on Google Maps.  It free and your business could be listed on the first page of Google along with your phone number.

To get listed on Google Maps submit your website through Google’s Local Business Center.  If you already have a Google Account Login and click  “Add New Listing”  and enter your company information.

To get the best results and position in Google Maps make sure you enter as much information as possible about your company.

• Include important keywords in your description. 
• Choose the best possible category for your website
• Add information about opening hours, payment types, etc. 
• If possible, include images and videos to help your listing stand out.

The more information you provide, the better.  If your business location is in the center of the town, it is more likely that it will appear at the top of the list but this is not necessarily the case. 

When choosing categories don’t just select categories from the list provided, choose your own. This can really improve your position, so use your five best keywords.

Submit your website to other local directories. Google Maps compiles its local results by crawling and parsing data from other online directories and databases. A good position in online yellow pages can cause your listing to be placed higher on the list.

Once you have entered your information your listing can appear on Google maps in about an hour.  By making small changes you can check again an see if you have improved your position.

You can also improve your position on Google local search by gaining citations. Look at your listing and you will see a section called “more about this place”. Google will search the Internet and find websites that metion your business and add some to this list. By adding your business to local business directories such as FreeIndex and Hotfrog you can gain citations and improve your positon.

Other directories that can help are:
bview
touchlocal
findtheneedle
yelp

Even if the directory links to your website with a “NOFOLLOW” it may still appear as a citation while not helping your natural listing it will help your local listing.

Sytec has been optimising one of our client’s new websites for Google Local Search (Google Maps)  The site was completed at the end of July  and now the site is Number 1 on Google for the term building companies Folkestone for both Google maps (out of 3258) and the natual listings (out of  76,000).

So if you are marketing on the Internet locally have a chat with Sytec to see how they can help your business.