What is Google+ Local?
Are you confused with Google+ Local and how that morphed from Google Pages?
If so, then you’re not alone. The transition of Google+ Local replacing Google Pages has left many scratching their heads when it comes to search engine optimization or SEO and how that will play out. However, it can be used to enhance social media optimization as well as local online search directories – you will need to keep some tips handy as these changes are rolling out. This latest change to “Local” was not thought out too well as it has caused a lot of confusion. Google Pages arrived in November 2011 and 6 months later here comes Local to shake things up even more!
What is Google+ Local?
It’s important to understand that Google Pages is basically a business page with “local” as the category. Pages has the social features of G+ but does not have the Google Places features, which means they don’t show up in searches. Confused yet? Local Pages are the replacement to Pages but do not have the social features as this continues to roll out – you find this in your Places dashboard in your Google + account.
The new Local Pages are like anything new – there are bugs that need to be worked out. The idea behind Local is to not only give the user the local information on businesses but provide a map, address, phonenumber, the hours the business is open. Local is supposed to work with other Pages but again, there are bugs to be hashed out. For instance, there have been many local listings that have gone missing and this produces the technical message, “Not supported or dropped” which has caused panic for some.
First, realize that these changes have not all taken place yet for everyone, so as Google+ Local morphs, you will begin to get better rankings and traffic will begin moving back to your site. Next, if you have not done so, claim your profile by verifying your address and phone number so you’re indexed. There is a lot of opportunity for SEO with these Local changes since over 60 percent of consumers use the Internet to find local businesses.
Get some good photos uploaded of your business so that when people see your Local page, they remember it! Send emails to customers to review your page – people may not think to do so and therefore, you need to ask for it! Reviews of real customers make you more credible to others searching for whatever you’re selling.
Make sure your local phone number is on your website along with your physical address. The phone number should have a local area code rather than an 800 number. Lastly, you need to think like a customer when it comes to the keywords they will use to search for businesses like yours. When Google+ Local is completely in place, it will actually prove beneficial for many businesses.