What is Place Search?
According to Google itself, "Place Search is a faster, easier way to find local information." Sounds simple, but it is not and the changes affect business owners and customers in many ways.
First, the way Google displays business listings has changed. In the past, business listings taken from the Google Places directory (which used to be called "Google Business") would appear at, or very close to the top of search query results next to a small Google map. Up to seven businesses were shown when a local listing could be matched with a search query. Business owners that did not have websites could still have a business listing on Google and show up in search results.
But that has changed.
Google is now using content and other information found on actual websites to determine where a business is located and will now attempt to match listings from that data -- not just the data business owner list in the directory itself.
Another change, and a poor one in my professional opinion as an SEO expert, is that Google will now display directory listings on the right side - where other search engines commonly place paid or sponsored ads. To make things even more confusing, sometimes when Google Places listings show they include a small thumbnail image and related links. But sometimes the results simply display as text. Surely this inconsistency in display results will confuse consumers.
Why is Google Really Implementing Place Search?
Although I cannot speak for Google, who does strive to provide better search for consumers (often at the expense of business owners) it allows Google to push AdWords and Google Boost for Business by offering more prominent paid ad displays. Why give the best ad space to free listings when you can charge for them?
What Can I Do
First, take time to read what Google has to say about what and why they are doing this. The more you understand (the less you will like it) the more you can take proactive steps to improve or maintain your website visibility. Two great places to get information about the changes are:
Other things you can do include:- If you do not have a website, you need one now more than ever to appear in Google. Start setting aside funds to budget for a web developer, or create your own website from a free template. Today's teens are generally very web savvy and you may be surprised to learn your own child or a neighbor's teen can help you get a website up and running.
Google different local searches to see if your website has suffered in this latest change. If it has, start by looking at how you can better optimize your website since Google is now drawing more information from actual websites than from the places directory.
Update your Google Places listing. Make sure it reflects the information you want it to and include keywords that tell where your business is located. Listing an 800 number is not ideal - use a local number whenever possible and if you do use a toll-free number, at least list a local number first. Google looks at area codes and zip codes to determine your location - a toll-free number will not provide information about where your business is located.
The best tip I can offer all website owners is to exploit Google iteself. Google is pro-business and offers a wide variety of free tools to help you grow your business and run your website.
