A few months ago, Google subtly transferred all Google Places profiles into Google+ Local business pages, integrating business listings with Google’s newest social networking platform. The transformation of Google Places to Google+ Local comes as an attempt to make local search a more social process. If you have a Google+ profile, Google will give preference to search results that include reviews and photos added by people in your circles.
Aside from the new social aspect of Google+ Local, these business pages remain a fundamentally important tactic in online marketing efforts. If you still have not dealt with this change, the time to do so is now.
While all of your business information should have seamlessly transferred from your old Places listing to the new Google+ Local platform, some issues occasionally arise. Everyone should take the time to search for their business’ profile and make sure all of the information is up-to-date, that the map shows the correct location of your business, and that all reviews have been transferred correctly.
The new Google+ Local page layout offers the ability to customize your page with more photos and videos, which can be prominently displayed at the top of the page. The old 5-star rating system has also been revamped, as a new 30-point Zagat rating scale has been implemented in its place.
Each time Google makes an unexpected change affecting its interface or usability, there are sure to be strong feelings on the matter, both positive and negative. Whatever your stance on these latest changes to Google Places, we strongly recommend that you spend a few minutes optimizing your new profile to ensure that your business is visible and attractive to local searchers. As the local search environment becomes increasingly social, Google+ Local will be a key component to your local marketing efforts. The few minutes it may take to ensure your page is in order may prove to be the difference in winning the business of local customers over your competitors.
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