Online Search Alert: New Google Place Search Mixes Up Local SEO

Last updated 2 years ago

This week, Google has begun rolling out a game-changing update to how it delivers local search results. According to the official Google blog, Place Search will alter the way search engine results pages display information when the search engine detects you are searching for local information.

This updates reinforces that both organic SEO and a solid local listing on Google places are important in helping your business get found online.

Also, according to ReachCast GM Alex Hawkinson, place search will add some complexity to the process of getting found in this new format. “For example, the new Place Search mini-pages make extensive use of rich snippets, a structured data format that enables web pages to be marked up with semantic information (e.g. reviews).”

For more insights into the new Google place search, check out the resources below:

To see a video of some highlights of this new update and how it may impact SEO, check out the video below:

About the Author
Tiffany Monhollon writes about social media, marketing, and small business success as the lead blogger for ReachCast, a ReachLocal service that helps local business owners develop their web presence.