You have probably noticed the fact that most searches now bring up local business results on Google SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) even if you do not put the location in the search query. Now, if you are asking the question, “Why are the local results showing up if I did not search for anything local?” you are asking the wrong question. The right question would be; “Why do I not show up in that list?”
We have mentioned in previous articles that Google started putting more emphasis on local search results and universal search. “Local Results” is when Google displays local businesses relevant to your search query. For example, if you search for “Plumber”, you will see that local businesses from Google Maps are displayed right above the fold along with website results. If you do another search for “Plumber Miami”, you will get the same results if you are actually in Miami that is. What does this mean?
This means that Google is doing something, which they have not done for the past 8 years; they are displaying local results based on your computer’s IP address and location. The reason is simple; it’s more relevant. After extensive research and analysis for billions of searches, they came to the conclusion that most users are searching for local results for certain search queries, like services for example.
This will better illustrate the point. If you search for “Internet Marketing“, you might be looking for just info, so no local results are displayed. However, if you search for “Internet Marketing Services”, you will see that local results do show up. This is because you are looking for “services” so you would prefer someone local and close to you. At least that’s what Google thinks. And at least, you are given the option not to choose the local results.
How does this affect small business?
Small local businesses have more power now to get leads from Google Searches. All you really need to do is submit your business to Google Local. Of course, some optimization does help in this process and if you have multiple locations, you are going to get more visibility. By doing this, Google is providing a unique and vital service to the user. Remember the days of yellow pages where you had to look through thousands of pages to find a service or a plumber? Not anymore; you can search for just plumber without even writing your city and you are instantly shown results, businesses, reviews, phone numbers, and websites.
So stop thinking and asking questions and get started on Google Local; of course if you need help we are here to assist you. You can contact us for more advanced strategies with Google Local.
-Duran Inci
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Google Local Search and How It Affects Small Businesses
You have probably noticed the fact that most searches now bring up local business results on Google SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) even if you do not put the location in the search query. Now, if you are asking the question, “Why are the local results showing up if I did not search for anything local?” you are asking the wrong question. The right question would be; “Why do I not show up in that list?”
We have mentioned in previous articles that Google started putting more emphasis on local search results and universal search. “Local Results” is when Google displays local businesses relevant to your search query. For example, if you search for “Plumber”, you will see that local businesses from Google Maps are displayed right above the fold along with website results. If you do another search for “Plumber Miami”, you will get the same results if you are actually in Miami that is. What does this mean?
This means that Google is doing something, which they have not done for the past 8 years; they are displaying local results based on your computer’s IP address and location. The reason is simple; it’s more relevant. After extensive research and analysis for billions of searches, they came to the conclusion that most users are searching for local results for certain search queries, like services for example.
This will better illustrate the point. If you search for “Internet Marketing“, you might be looking for just info, so no local results are displayed. However, if you search for “Internet Marketing Services”, you will see that local results do show up. This is because you are looking for “services” so you would prefer someone local and close to you. At least that’s what Google thinks. And at least, you are given the option not to choose the local results.
How does this affect small business?
Small local businesses have more power now to get leads from Google Searches. All you really need to do is submit your business to Google Local. Of course, some optimization does help in this process and if you have multiple locations, you are going to get more visibility. By doing this, Google is providing a unique and vital service to the user. Remember the days of yellow pages where you had to look through thousands of pages to find a service or a plumber? Not anymore; you can search for just plumber without even writing your city and you are instantly shown results, businesses, reviews, phone numbers, and websites.
So stop thinking and asking questions and get started on Google Local; of course if you need help we are here to assist you. You can contact us for more advanced strategies with Google Local.
-Duran Inci
Related posts: