Announced on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Google Plus Local is intended to integrate the social networking website, Google Plus, with the other products and services Google offers like Maps, Search, and Mobile.
Businesses that have a Google Place page with reviews in the form of stars will now see the listing replaced with a Google Plus Local page showing a score (29/30) rather than stars. Google Plus Local will allow users to share reviews, experiences, photos and more socially relevant information relating to places and local businesses. Most of these changes are obvious at first glance, and the user experience seems much more easy to navigate with common logic. The Google Plus Local page is designed to show searchers a wide range of information about each business all on one screen. The information is now compiled from photos found on the internet, the old Google Places business listings, and now from friends and family and other people connected to the business.
So what exactly are the changes and how can they impact your business or organization? Well, let's take a simple overview of the basics:
- Google Plus Local pages are now replacing all Google Places pages.
- A “Local” tab has been added to the Google Plus dashboard.
- Reviews in the form of a number score (23/30) will replace the existing Google Reviews star system.
- Information from the web that already exists for your business are now complied to create your listing.
- Management of the listings still take place in the Google Places dashboard.
- Google Plus Local pages will be fully integrated across Google properties. (Maps, Search, Mobile)
- Google Plus Local will utilize “circles” to show users reviews and recommendations from friends and colleagues.
This change will definitely encourage businesses to claim and maintain their Google Plus Local pages in order to remain relevant and engaging within the marketplace. More good news regarding this update is that the now retired Google Place Pages were blocked from showing in search engine results, but will now be able to appear in search results, opening a new channel to engage and interact with customers.
Although this has litterally occurred just a few days ago depending on when you are reading this, it is certain that the implications for local search engine marketing are pretty tremendous. The effects of this in regard to search, local reviews, mobile and more will certainly be far reaching.
But for this moment atleast, as a local web marketer it is enough to know whatever you know today will change tomorrow. That's what makes the field of internet marketing so interesting.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime at (702) 666-8876.
