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Big Changes for Local Search Engine Results with New Google+ Local

For those who need a refresher, Google Places is a search listings directory where customers can find additional information when they search for local businesses on Google.

If you haven’t heard, Google Places is being replaced by Google+ Local pages. This big change will affect local search results on Google, so keep on reading if you want high local search rankings. Each business has a Google Places page that can include business contact information, hours, reviews and pictures. You can see an example of a Google Places business page below.

Old Google Places Page

Now here’s the big change… According to Search Engine Land, more than 80 million Google Places pages have now been converted to Google+ Local pages. Here’s what the pages look like now.

 

New Google+ Local Page

At first glance, it looks like Google just moved around the furniture. Don’t be fooled, Google+ Local is a whole new animal. Here are the big changes:

• Google+ Integration – Your Google Places business page is now integrated into Google+, which is Google’s version of Facebook. Google is making it easy for Google+ users to find local business reviews from their social network.

• Review Scores – Google+ Local pages have a review score that are calculated on a 30-point scale based on Google+ user reviews. You want your business to have a score between 26 and 30.

• Virtual Tours – For retail establishments, you can now add lots of interior photos of your business. This gives customers a taste of what to expect when visiting your business.

• Total Integration – This new local search platform is integrated across all of Google’s major products. When you search for local businesses on Google search, maps and mobile, you’ll have access to Google+ Local pages.

Why Should I Care about Google+ Local?

You should care about Google+ Local because it helps local customers discover and find your local business. This means more foot traffic inside your business.

Google says 97 percent of consumers search for local businesses online. Having a completed Google+ Local page, improves your business’ chances of being found by customers when searching Google for the products and services that you sell.

Think about it, a person in your community is searching for an auto repair shop or a car dealership on Google. Who are they going to visit? They’re most likely going to stop by the business in the top local search spot on Google.

So how do you get to the top local search spot for relevant keywords on Google+ Local?

The dust is still settling on Google+ Local, but here are some key takeaways for improving local search rankings.

• Completed Pages – Like Google Places, Google is most likely going to give higher rankings to Google+ Local pages that are completely filled out and regularly updated and active with reviews.

• Reviews Matter More than Ever – With the new review scores, reviews can make or break your business. You need to make sure that you get lots of positive reviews on your Google+ Local page for search rankings as well as for customer traffic.

• Social Media Is Part of Search – Whether you like it or not, social media is part of search. In the coming months and years, it’s going to take on a bigger role in determining search engine results. It’s important to get started using it now before you get left in the dust.

The AfterMarketer Club provides automotive local SEO services. They have helped lots of companies improve local search results on Google and Bing. If you have any questions on local search, give AfterMarketer Club a call at (602) 412-3426 or visit the AfterMarketer Club Contact Page.