Category Archives: Local Maps SEO

Google Places Gets a Makeover

Last Updated On August 13th, 2014Local Business Directory, Local Maps SEO, , ,

Google Places received a recent facelift that left it with a few noteworthy changes. Although there are no changes in ranking factors, the detail citations are no longer shown and the review results have changed. Here is an overview of the important changes to Google Places.

1. The “Write a review” button is now found in two places. It is also larger and red.

2. Any Google user can now upload a photo to the business listing.

3. Detail references and attributes are not displayed or linked to. However, since rankings appear to be holding steady, the details are most likely still working behind the scenes. It is our speculation that the loss of the detail attributes is only temporary.

4. The reviews found on the listing are only those left by Google users as opposed to ones pulled from Yelp, Citysearch and other review sites Google used to show in results.
The changes to Google Places does not appear to be currently affecting rankings. However, Local Splash will continue to monitor this and report any further findings. For more information, read Google’s statement on the changes to Google Places on this Google Blog.

GPlaces 20110721

Screenshot of the changes made to Google Places

3 Reasons Why Claiming Your Google Listing is Crucial to Local SEO

Local Business Directory, Local Maps SEO, Organic SEO, ,

Google, along with other top search engines, is currently competing to provide you with the best local search engine possible. That’s why they’ve already gathered information on millions of local businesses – to provide you with the most relevant information possible through Google Places. Google Places is a local business directory that provides users information about local businesses such as address, phone number, description, business hours, photos, videos, reviews, driving directions and more. If your business is listed in Google Places it will also be able to show up on the Google Map, which appears at the top of the search results page and helps direct consumers right to your business location.

Odds are, if you’re not a new business, your company already has a Google Places listing. So you may be asking, “if my company is already listed, why do I need to bother with ‘claiming’ my listing?”

Although Google may already have your business in its database, the information it has may not be correct and it is certainly not optimized. Google and other search engines often obtain incorrect or outdated information that can really put a damper on your rankings. Sometimes duplicate listings are made by mistake, which doesn’t only confuse your potential customers but also the search engines, which penalize you with lower rankings.

Claiming your business has many advantages. Here are the top 3 reasons why you should claim your business on Google Places:

1. You can update your information easily when needed – Once your local business information is on Google Places, Google is not going to update it. This means that there could be misinformation about your business on your listing as well as outdated information. Claiming your business allows you to edit this information as needed, giving you full control over your business’s image.

2. Optimizing your local listing is an option – Once you claim your listing, you will be able to optimize it using keywords and categories to help it get to the top of the Maps. Listings that haven’t been claimed have little or no local SEO, so claiming your listing and adding more information will make it complete and give you an advantage over your competitors.

3. Adding enhancements – Once you claim your Google listing, you can add enhancements that make your listing more appealing to the search engines and your potential customer. Adding more information such as business hours, videos, a URL to your Website, coupons, photos and more will help consumers who view your listing. These enhancements also make your listing look better to Google and you will be rewarded with higher search rankings.

Google wants businesses to claim their listing. For this reason, when a business is claimed, higher search rankings will follow. The bottom line is, if you claim your Google business listing, you will have more control over your online image, higher rankings and more consumers will be able to see your listing. This means more potential new customers leading to more profit.

Everything You Need to Know About Using Google Coupons to Enhance Local SEO

Local Maps SEO, Local Search Techniques, , , , , ,

Google Coupons are an enhancement to your Google Maps business listing. The printable online coupons show up when searching for local information on Google Maps search results and business listing pages. The coupons can be printed out directly from a computer and redeemed at the physical store location of a local business. These coupons can also be redeemed by showing the coupon on your mobile device at the physical store location.

For Google Maps users, coupons provide additional relevant business information and help create a better overall local search experience. For businesses, coupons are another way of reaching out to potential customers online. Coupons are completely free and easy to use. Businesses can log into the Local Business Center at Google Maps to enter in coupon information. Once the coupon information is entered, the coupon is displayed on Google Maps within a few hours.

There a many advantages to using Google Coupons such as:

  • Google Coupons help make your Google Maps business listing more complete. The more enhancements you can add to your listing, the more chances you have to better your local SEO. Google rewards “complete” listings with higher rankings, so adding coupons could help boost you to the top.
  • Google Coupons help you stand out from the competition. Think about it, if you were trying to choose between multiple businesses that offer the same service or product, wouldn’t you rather go with the business that is offering a coupon or discount? People love to think they’re getting a deal and many people are likely to use your product or service just because there is a discount. Bottom line, your coupon can help you stand out in a crowd of competitors.
  • Google Coupons give you a way to reach out to your customer and gain customer loyalty. If you’re offering coupons to rope in new customers as well as reward existing ones, you’re building customer loyalty. Your customers will remember that your business gave them a really great deal and the next time they need your product or service they’ll call on you. Also they’ll recommend the great deal you gave them to friends, opening up a whole new world of potential customers.

Local Splash would be happy to set up your Google Coupons for you. If you’re ready to get started, give our customer service representatives a call at 877-63-LOCAL.