By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2010-09-15 18:08:30 | Word Count: 664
Google Places, the latest iteration of Google Local, is now the most powerful local search directory on the net. Google Local Submission ranks local businesses on page 1 of the Search Engine Result Page (SERP), always above the fold. These listings provide website owners with additional opportunity to be highly visible on page 1 of Google. Google Local Submissions are different than main stream Search Engine Optimization (SEO) which requires many specific steps and ongoing processes to compete for the top organic rankings. Local Submission merely requires that you register with Google / GooglePlaces providing the necessary information for Google to index your site within the map listings appropriately. These listings, however, are not influenced by SEO methods and are subject to rotational displays based on the database that Google has for relevant businesses. Remember, that you don’t actually have to have a website to be listed in GooglePlaces; you just need to be registered and verifiable through Google’s system.
So, Google Local Submission represents, through GooglePlaces, an additional section for local businesses to be highly visible. Google SERPs include the following.
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Organic Search Results
Organic search results are displayed in a list, prioritized by a relevancy score. This score compares the relevancy to all other sites that are indexed for the keyword / phrase in question. These results cannot be bought or sold. They can only be earned by convincing Google that your site is the most relevant. It is not enough to include relevant keywords on your site. Organic results are mainly driven by regular additions of content to the site and sophisticated syndication processes that drive high quality Backlinks. There are hundreds of factors involved, both onsite and offsite but the quality and quantity of Backlinks are the most important differentiators for the very top page(s). The displayed results indicate the search engine’s selection of the most relevant websites. Studies show that web users are likely to click through only the top 3 to 5 organic search results, making optimization and top placement of critical importance. In fact, 68% of searchers do not go past the 3rd page; 98% don’t go past page 3.
Paid Advertisements
Google utilizes a system of PPC (Pay per Click) which allows the advertiser to bid on ad placement and keyword relevance. The brand name for Google PPC is AdWords. The results, typically 2-3 displayed above organic search results and also to the right of the organic results, are given a predominate place on a search result pages. Over the past several years, the trend has been for searchers to click with increasing frequency on the organic results in larger numbers due to the natural perception that the organic listings are earned and the ads are … ads. Nonetheless, Google paid advertisements remain an important component of Search Engine Marketing.
Local Submissions
Google, through the use of Google Places or Google Local, displays several local listings where applicable. These results are particularly useful for potential customers using keywords to find local brick and mortar businesses. By opting to include a website or business in the local search directory, business owners can capitalize on the unique placement and its greater visibility.
Google local submission should be contained in every applicable SEO plan. Many SEO professionals advocate site submission to a variety of local directories in addition to Google local.
Truly successful online businesses take advantage of every possibility to increase their visibility. Focusing solely on obtaining high organic search results is an important first step, but it is also important to include local site submissions. There are several avenues to be found on Google SERPs. Each one involves specific steps and processes and all serve to increase your page 1 visibility.
Are you not on the top pages of Google? Contact us and let’s get to work to make sure you are found by customers who are looking for you.
