Understanding search engine optimization can be overwhelming when you sit back and take a look at the sheer size of Google. Fortunately, Google has helped make the search engine smaller by changing search results based on Google+ connections and local listings. If someone you are connected with on Google+ recommends an article through a +1, that article is more likely to show up on a search engine results page (SERP); therefore, companies have been putting a huge emphasis on promoting content through Google+. As of May 30 of this year, Google also urges companies to get involved with Google+ Local.
What is Google+ Local?
Google+ Local has taken the place of Google Places and allows users to utilize the social network to help find certain businesses that are close in proximity. There are a few different changes that users will experience with Google+ Local:
- You will be able to see which of your friends recommends the business.
- You will be able to see a Zagat rating and reviews if you click on the link.
- You can filter results based upon reviews or your connections preferences.
- You can find a business from your Google+ profile as opposed to a SERP.
In a sense, Google+ is actually becoming a search engine all on its own. People often feel more comfortable navigating around social networks as opposed to search engine pages, and Google+ Local helps make this possible. In other words, you can type in a search right in your Google+ search box if you’re not interested in searching from the traditional Google search bar.
How Businesses Can Get Involved In Google+ Local
The new change seems to make a lot of sense for users, but this leaves businesses wondering what they can do to take full advantage. Businesses that get involved with Google+ Local will benefit from much more advanced and detailed information that will be in front of the eyes of viewers, which then begs the question: How do I make it happen?
First, a business must have a Google+ business page. Users will be taken to this page if they are interested in your company, so it’s important that you have an account you can sync up with your local listing that is fully completed. You can visit here to begin creating your business page.
Second, you will want to claim your listing. This is completely free and will allow you to respond to reviews and get insights from your listing. You can claim your listing here. If you find that you do not yet have a business page to claim, you can follow the steps onscreen to create a new one in just a few minutes.
Finally, you will want to make sure that all of the information is correct. Choose the correct category for your business as well as your hours of operation and location. It is also best to optimize your Google+ page using keywords that describe your business whenever possible. For example, if your business created Greek food, you would want to use the words “Greek food” in your description and title.
Photo Credit: seoroundtable.com
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Twitter: GeraldNitram
Google is really making it a point that their social media brainchild will be turned into something that the people will be looking for. Now that they’ve integrated business searching on Google+, I do think that Google+ will gain a lot more popularity. The fact that you can use it to look for businesses doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find businesses through the typical Google search anyway.
Hey Extreme John and Amanda, thanks for the easy words about Google Local+ ! Honestly I was little bit biased about the new look and UI of the Google Local+ and the SERP! Now The local listings can be influenced by the +1s also! that’s now I understood in conclusion!