Here’s why Google+ Local matters to your business
Google revamped their local search results yet again, this time rebranding it as ‘Google+ Local.’ The new look, which is already live, integrates users’ recommendations and emphasizes ratings from friends on Google+ to provide more accurate information about local businesses.
Rather than linking to Google Places listings, local search results will now redirect to Google+ pages. Users will also notice that each listing now has a 30-point rating rather than a 5-star rating.
The last, and potentially most meaningful change, is that search rankings are now likely to be heavily dependent on Google+ recommendations. So if someone in your Google+ Circles recommends a certain business, that business will show up higher in your search results. Google’s search ranking formula is expected to otherwise remain unchanged.
Why you should care:
The good news and the bad news: Most businesses already have a Google Listing set up. Google automatically converted all existing Business Listings to the new Google+ Local layout. However, if you haven’t set up a listing yet, be sure to do so as soon as possible. Call us if you need help.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with the new layout and be sure to check out your rating. If you’re missing some features on your page like contact info or photos, note that this might cause potential customers to skip over your listing and call your competitor instead.
If you have questions about marketing in your local area, contact us. We know what it takes to be found locally. Clients in your area are looking for businesses like yours online right now. Make sure that your information is displayed correctly so that your phones keep ringing!
June’s Featured Web Expert:
This month we celebrate Chris Goddin. Chris has been a dedicated member of the Market Hardware team since he began as an intern in 2006. Chris manages the Search Engine Marketing department, oversees Market Hardware’s Pay-Per-Click service and also plays a leadership role on the Account Management team.
Chris grew up in Bethesda, MD, and attended Emory College in Atlanta, GA. Chris and his wife Meghan have been happily married for two years. Chris plays left field for Market Hardware’s softball team and brings some serious power to the batting lineup. He can also be quite the character in the office. Any guesses as to who he is impersonating in his photo to the right?
Web Digest Factoid:
Google controls over 66% of the search engine market share. (Oracle Digital ‘ June 2012).
What is Market Hardware’s Web Digest?
At Market Hardware, our mission is to help you be an educated and successful web marketer. So we created the monthly Web Digest, quick, easy-to-scan news from the world of Internet Marketing.
The Web Digest complements our educational materials and is another example of how we’ve ‘got your back’ when it comes to web marketing.
Cheers to your web success,
Alain Parcan
Market Hardware, LLC
Newsletter Editor
