A while ago Google introduced a "geographic box" at the top of its search results. This is tied in to its mapping feature, and, when it was first introduced, the engine would display three results at the top of its search results whenever somebody entered a geographic modifier into the search box ("Atlanta widgets," for example). The Google algorithm then has the intelligence to determine whether the query calls for results that are primarily local in scope

Since that initial trial, Google has obviously found that its users appreciate the feature. The engine now displays ten local search results at the top of the listings for certain queries, provided that they have a geographic modifier attached. For example, if you type in "Palo Alto Pizza" in Google, you will see ten results alongside a map that shows the location of ten Pizza places in Palo Alto CA.

It should be noted that you will not see local search results for all queries that contain a local modifier. In certain instances, it almost seems as if Google somehow "knows" when a geographic modifier really means that you only offer services in a particular area. Yeah, those guys are pretty good.

So how do you get your business's website on Google Local Search?

3 Steps...

1. Call Steps Marketing (we can help you with all that, but if you want to do it yourself...read on)

2. Sign up for Google Business Center (www.google.com/local/add) and make sure that your business profile is thorough and complete

3. Be sure that your website has a clear contact form with your name address and phone numbers all in text format, NO IMAGES!

There are many resources on the Internet to turn to if you are looking for local search engine optimization for your regional website, like Steps Marketing!

You'll find that many customers prefer to deal with people that are local, even if the business is national, or even global. A businessperson that is looking for, say, marketing consulting, may be inclined to work with someone with an address in close proximity found through local search. It just feels more comfortable - if something goes wrong, he or she can request a meeting, rather than calling an 800 number.