Google Places Optimization and Local SEO Blog

Here are 2 stories about Google Places scams to watch out for. Lots of unethical SEOs are out there trying to prey on small businesses. Be careful who you hire to optimize your Google Places page.

Many Google Place Pages have been blessed with a GOOD new bug. DOUBLE reviews. I’m sure users affected by THIS review bug hope it takes Google months to fix it, just like it did with the missing reviews bug. Although unfortunately with the new merged algo, the number of reviews does not impact rankings like it once did.

Taking control of your local online marketing presents complexities for business owners that are difficult to comprehend. Local search has become so important and multi-faceted PLUS social marketing is becoming an increasingly big part of the puzzle. SMBs have a hard time knowing which elements to focus on. And how can a person with a business to run possibly be everywhere they need to be on the web, as well as keep up with reputation management?

It’s great to see Google Places and Local SEO getting so much attention at all the search marketing conferences. Here are some of the best live coverage posts I’ve read from SMX West 20111 and Pubcon 2011. This is a great way to pick up some local marketing nuggets of wisdom and hear different perspectives from the pros.

WHERE ARE THE GOOGLE PLACES ENGINEERS??? Google is putting so much emphasis on local, hotpot etc. Where are the resources to make the CORE service, the FOUNDATION of it all – Google Places work? My feeling is that there are SO many problems right now that they are CRIPPLED!

Scraper sites and content farms. And who’s the biggest farmer of all???
Why Google Places, of course! (Skip my rant, to get to the list of InsiderPages, Merchant Circle and others to see how hard they were hit.)