Google Places Optimization and Local SEO Blog

Those in the know, know things have been a little rocky lately in Google Places land. And if you’ve been in the biz you know lots of bugs usually mean there’s an update going on. Well there has been and it makes quite a few changes in the way info is processed and how fast it updates on the live Place page. Some edits now can take a week. But here’s the GOOD NEWS! Plus important info about new Place pages and the dreaded we do not support this location message.

If your focus is LOCAL, then read on. Google makes algo updates all the time BUT when they go so far as to “name” an update it’s usually worth noting! I’ve seen Venice update speculation that I think misses the mark. So here is the Linda scoop on what I think this update means. NEW ranking opportunities that didn’t exist before and that you could totally miss unless you read this and understand this subtle but noteworthy change in the local algo.

Google just announced a myriad of updates to various elements of search. Below I am highlighting the ones that relate to LOCAL SEO and Google Places. WOWSER looks like organic ranking factors are going to be even more important in this new Venice update.

If you have been holding off on trying to integrate your Google+ profile with your Google Places listing, due to the previous glitch, your wait is over! HOWEVER I discovered a new catch. If you want to get your PLUS image to show up on your Google local listing you need to rank high! Read on… and see examples below.

Places Scout just launched the new upgrade I requested that allows you to compare any 2 ranking reports for clients. AND IT’s HOT! Previously Scout and Bright Local only showed improvement and changes since the previous report run. See screen shots below.

Google appears to be testing a new integration of Google+ in the Google Places search results. Grabbed a screenshot of it Friday but decided to hold it until today. Then today Mike blogged a couple other examples, but check out the differences. See screenshot below.

YEA! Many clients who were on page 1 but got locked out, just popped back on page 1 and several are back in the A spot where they belong! SEE SCREEN SHOTS. Many other top local SEOS I network with are seeing positive changes in this regard for listings all over the world too.

Discover red hot ways to use Pinterest for LOCAL SEO. Pinterest is driving more traffic than YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn. Plus link is DO FOLLOW and smart marketers can even add an image citation. See the screen shot example, Infographic with cool ideas and get all your Pinterest Local SEO resources here.

Here’s a hot new Red Hat Local SEO tip for you that can REALLY make you or your clients stand out from the competition with 10 gold stars instead of 5 and a bigger blended Google Places listing in the SERPS. Check out the screen shot.

Lost reviews, spam reviews, merged reviews, inability for customers to leave a Google review are just a few of the problems that come up all too frequently. Review problems of any kind are a HUGE pain point for small business owners. See Googles brand new review problem help docs. VERY transparent insight and solutions.

See My Ugly Jerry-rigged Before & After Ranking Comparison Report below. Nice results but POOR presentation. Pushing Places Scout and Bright Local to add this feature. SQUEAK if you want it too! Other major software updates coming from both companies too. See bottom of post for sneak peek.

I had them re-post on the Places forum so I could escalate to Google management and get Vanessa involved. Be sure to read the whole thread and follow it for more info. So many insights about G support, merges, clusters, etc. Also info about a new Places software update you will want to know about.

SEOmoz PRO just FINALLY launched a major update that added local (Google Places) results to their rank tracking solution. Whether it’s a 7-pack or a blended result, if you care about local SERP results, it’s often a pain to find out where you stand. We aim to help.

I’ve seen such HUGE strides with Google Places support lately that I’m very hopeful – and extremely thankful for any and all improvements. And I know there are lots more on the way. Important note about the troubleshooter, the best new way to get Google Places support these days.

If you don’t have the new link to Place page feature yet, don’t worry, you’ll have it back in the next couple days. But it’s different. See screenshot. Google did a navigation update that is slowly rolling out to everyone now. Once the update hits, you’ll have the link feature back. Here’s the scoop.

My new swiss army knife local SEO must-have tool. Advanced Places rank tracking PLUS competitive analysis to help you rank your clients higher PLUS lead generation to help you find new clients PLUS citation finding PLUS reputation management to a degree and lots more, all in one VERY INEXPENSIVE software program. Even shows rankings VISUALLY on the map.

I’m going to OUT some Dentists that are buying fake reviews today. And teach you how to figure out if reviews are fake and how to report unethical competitors. Dentists may not realize it, but not only are fake reviews a violation that could cause you to LOSE your Place page but fake reviews ARE AGAINST THE LAW and can get you in trouble with the FTC! Much more fake review info inside including links to Dentists with fake reviews and screen shot evidence.

According to some stats I found at eMarketer the other day 70% of consumers checked an online before going to a local business or restaurant. Google was the #1 source at 43%, no surprise there. The yellow pages came in 2nd at 30%. A little surprised it’s that high actually. People still use the YP? [...]

Working on important research and need help from the local SEO community. This will help us all do a better job of helping our local search clients AND be able to give them reports that knock their socks off! IF the research is correct then there is a HUGE HOLE hole in the way we analyze rankings and report success metrics to clients. SEE KEYWORD STATS BELOW.

WOW. This is VERY exciting news and I see can all types of amazing possibilities. I have a very strong feeling this is going to be huge and change lots of things for those of us that do local search consulting. Check out my list of important Google+ Pages for Business Pages resources.