Google Local Business Centre, Place Pages & Google Maps...A Taste of More to Come
I recently noticed that for the first time Google displayed in my Local Business Centre actual visitor stats to my Place Page. These stats have been shown to users in USA for months.
For April my maps listing was shown 5,404 times (Impressions) and 22 visitors viewed my Place Page.
These impressions were the direct result of my SEOza Place Page being found in Google's search results. If I hadn't created my place page then SEOza would not have appeared in the results and I would not have enjoyed those 22 visitors.
Of course 22 is not a lot but it is 22 more than I would normally have. Also contrast this with the fact that few people are aware of Google Maps still and this performance can only improve with time.
Google Maps South Africa is Way Behind USA
We can tell what will be happening in South Africa as far as local search and Google Maps is concerned by watching what has happened in the USA. On this basis expect to see the following improvements:
- Service areas - this is now available. It allows businesses to show a service area on Google Maps without showing their specific address. This means it's no longer necessary to show a private address making Google Maps much more convenient for individuals or home based businesses.
- Advertisement for the 7pack - it costs $25 to advertise a listing on the Google 7 pack
- Business photos - It's possible to include pictures of the inside of your business and post them on your Place Page. This means customers can actually take a peak inside your physical location. This will be very important for businesses such as spas, hairdressers, restaurants etc where appearance is what really matters.
- Coupons and real time updates - It's already possible to add a coupon to a place page in South Africa but it's not possible to post real time information. This is coming.
- Customized QR Codes - This allows a business to provide a unique code that can be printed and scanned by some smart phones to take someone directly to your Place Page. This code can be printed on almost any type of print media including a business card.
- Links - Google will now allow business owners to add discreet links on their Place Page.
I would urge you to read more... click here to see more info on Google's blog
More importantly you need to make sure you are fully able to take advantage of this massive opportunity Local Search offers.
Review the comprehensive materials produced by ourselves to help you maximise your Local Search presence and blow your competitors away. Click here to learn more
Check out these links for more information:
Local Search Resources for the Next "Big Thing" Online.
Click Here
Stay informed about workshop April 28th 2010
Click Here
Summary of Benefits from Adwords workshop
Click Here
Contact details for SEOza are: unit J6 Hingham Field Office Park, 79 Boeing Rd East, Bedfordview 2007. Tel 011 454 0105 Business Hours 09.00 - 17.00 Monday to Friday. See SEOza listing on Google Maps. ... GPS Locations: S 26.16582 E 28.14080 | Close to Gilhooley's Farm & Jeppe Quondam