Are you wondering what is Google Local Business? Basically, Google local is Google's way of delivering a better user experience for customers who are trying to do business in their communities.
In 2008, more people turned to the search engines for local search than turned to the print yellow pages.
While the percentage difference was small - 31 percent vs.
30 percent, Google and the other search engines are trying to take advantage of this fact and provide the results that viewers want so that they will continue to come back for more.
Basically, when a searcher modifies any search with a city name, a listing of 1 to 10 companies that match the search will come up.
For instance, when someone types in "flowers," they could be looking for any number of things including gardening information.
But when they search for "Long Beach flowers," they are probably looking for a local florist.
If there are more than 10 companies, a "more results" tag will be displayed.
Realistically, very few people are going to click on this more results button, so being in the top 10 is very advantageous.
To get started with Google Local Business, go to Google.
com/local.
From there, you will be able to fill out a 3 page form to get listed.
List as much as possible including hours of operation and types of payment you accept, because the more complete you are, the better chance you will have of ranking in the top 10.
Uploading photos and videos can also help.
Initial anecdotal evidence shows that if you list a website in your listing, you will rank higher in the 10 pack.
Also, that means that visitors are taken to your site rather than a simple Google listing when they click on the listing.
Getting free listings in various online yellow pages, business directories, and interactive consumer review sites can also help.
With pay per click becoming more expensive and competitive for local businesses, Google local can drive a lot of traffic to your site.