What Do These Changes Mean To Your Business?

A Web Presence is a Must and Credibility Matters

Google's launch of their "Place Search" feature is another step toward becoming an online version of the Yellow Pages. This means an optimized web presence is a "must" for businesses if they want to attract local customers online. Experts are saying that unless businesses have engaged in long-term search optimization best practices across all fronts, including organic, local and social, they will likely be impacted by this change.

For example, the fixed-position map now located on the right-hand side of the page moves pay-per-click ad positions down the page. In addition, it hides their ads and continues to draw attention from users as they scroll their way down the page. Essentially, local search results are now much more prominent on the page, pushing general content down.

Online reviews and ratings also have more prominence on the page (appearing alongside the listing). This makes online brand credibility and brand reputation management critical for businesses that appear in a local search result.

Early testing indicates that listings from third party directories are also being pushed further down in Google’s results pages, by listings of companies who have combined a solid web page, with their Places listing and customer reviews.

These new adjustments are a real game changer as far as local search is concerned. We invite you to learn more and get answers to your questions by attending WSI's special webinar on November 23. Register now.