The
growing use of the internet by the masses to find out about products
and services they are looking to purchase or hire has got many
businesses seriously thinking about their online visibility. Many
businesses have already grown to learn the importance of Search Engine Optimization
in helping them get better rankings in search results. Globally,
internet users have always used search engines to find their way through
the World Wide Web. Among the many search engines available, Google
stands out as the number one choice for users around the globe. It is no
surprise therefore, that businesses want to find their way to the top
in Google search results.
Your SEO provider
will definitely have hundreds of suggestions to help you get those
rankings. However, Google has been continuously rolling out changes in
the way its search process works. Google, not too long ago, rolled out a
new search process system which is called Google Places. In this
article we will briefly consider what Google Places is, how it works and
how it affects your ranking.
What is Google Places?
Previously,
when searchers used to put a geographical location in their searches,
Google would sometimes place a map along with the local business
results. Local business listings were previously used separately and the
listings were reproduced in Google Maps. In late 2010, Google launched a
new platform called the Google Places which incorporated both web
search and web maps to produce a search process that changes the way
your website is ranked in Google search results.
How does Google Places work?
Google
Places works like a local listing for your business in Google search
results. When a person types in a keyword or phrase which includes a
location based search or is basically linked to a location, a directory
listing is produced with Google’s web-based mapping application. Results
thus generated give the exact location, with route plans and an image
if available.
How does it affect your ranking?
There are four things that are clearly used by Google to determine your ranking in Google Place.
- Proximity: How close your business is to the searched location plays a very important role in your ranking.
- Optimization: Whether you have effectively optimized your listing on Google Places and correctly submitted you business category.
- Citations: Google uses local directories to broadcast their data on Google. References for your business or business information should be found in these directories for better search engine optimization. Quality and consistency are two important factors in your business citations as they play a major role in your ranking.
- Reviews: Reviews also have a major role in Google Places ranking. Google analyses reviews from different well known review sites and the information thus collected is analyzed and used as a part of the overall ranking.
Google
Places for businesses is a very important and powerful marketing tool.
Researches show that majority of consumers tend to buy products or
services available locally. Google Places specifically targets those
customers. Google Places Optimization always has an edge over any other
method used to target users searching for local products and services.
If properly done and implemented, your Google Places listing can work
wonders for your business. So, be specific when it comes to local search engine optimization.