Local Optimization Optimization Strategies

Google Local Business Center Becomes “Google Places”

Google has changed the name of what was once called the “Google Local Business Center” to “Google Places.” The idea behind it, according to the press release, is to more effectively connect Google Place Pages with the place where a local business’s information is claimed, entered and enhanced.

Why? Do you ask? Well Millions of people use Google every day to find places in the real world, and Google wants to better connect Place Pages – the way that businesses are being found today – with the tool that enables business owners to manage their presence on Google.

If you are not familiar, Google Places is Google Maps’ search tool for finding nearby businesses and other points of interest. With Places as a separate search tool, searchable categories can make local searching faster. The tool has a search bar, and users can also speak their queries. Place Pages now have new details, such as prices, parking and menu links as well as business hours in addition to compass direction and distance.

One out of five searches on Google are related to location, and Google wants to make sure that businesses are able to be found and put their best foot forward. This change is just the beginning of what’s to come from efforts to make Google more local.

• More than 4 million business listings on Google claimed by business owners (using the Local Business Center, now Google Places)
• Nearly 2 million listings have been claimed in the United States
• 20% of searches on Google are related to location
• There are 50 million Place Pages
• Place Pages are viewed millions of times each day
• We have mailed out Favorite Places window decals to around 200,000 businesses around the United States

According to comScore, in March Google had 14.3 billion search queries. 20% of those search queries would represent roughly 2.8 billion local queries.

(Google says that Maps for Mobile 4.4 will work on all Android handsets running Android 1.6 and up. The software is a free download.)

To discuss how TH Web Consulting can help you get your business listed in Google Places and make sure that your local consumers are finding you online or How we can develop a customized Local Search Optimization Strategy tailored to your business and competition! Contact us by email or the phone number at the top of the right of our site.

For all of you that like to Do It Yourself, I have a free video tutorial that you can see by clicking on the link below.

Learn How To Easily Add Your Business To The Google Maps and Google Places Listings Today Click Here!