– 97% of consumers use online media to research products and services in their local area

– 90% of searchers don’t look past the first page of results (According to Google)

– 83% of local searchers will follow up with a phone call or visit to the Google Places listing that stands out best

Google Places SEO

What is Google Places SEO?

You might have heard a growing buzz about local SEO (search engine optimisation), Google Maps, Google Place Pages, geo-targeting etc.  You might be wondering what does all this jargon mean — and how can it make a difference to your bottom line?

Google Places Optimisation

Google now offers a powerful system called Google Place Pages. It is the little map that shows up when you are searching for a business in your local area. When your website is optimised to include geographically oriented keywords (“chiropractor in los angeles,” etc.), your Google Places Page shows up as a search result as well as a map showing your location. This isn’t just incredibly helpful for your potential customers, it is incredibly valuable because you are putting your company “on the map” — literally — and getting you in front of people in your local area who are already actively looking for your products or services.

Place Your Business “Above the Fold”

Google recently introduced a change that greatly increases the value of a fully optimised Google Places Page. Small businesses are now positioned“above the fold” on the search results page for local searches. What does this mean? Try searching on Google for a business in a specific location and check out the first page of search results. You will usually see the Google Place Pages located around the top half of the page, followed by — everyone else. Being “above the fold” means searchers don’t have to scroll down at all to find your listing. You would be surprised how valuable this simple distinction is. You don’t want to make people scroll for your business because they often will not bother.

Outrank Large Competition

A fully optimised Google Places Page can elevate your local small business above many huge, web-based companies on the  first page of search results. Why does this work? You are optimised for Google Place Pages, and they are not. They are not physically located in your area, and you are. Google values this very highly. That’s the power of Local Search Engine Optimisation.

How Does It Work?

Businesses with a fully optimised Google Places page put local SEO to work for them. Local SEO allows you to tap into a large number of potential customers already searching for what your business offers. A fully optimised page includes geo-targeted: videos, pictures, citations, and reviews. Perseus Media, your local SEO expert, offers solutions to get your business new customers.