Dear Trimax Solutions user,
Ensure the visibility of your business in local searches with Google+ Local Last year Google launched Google+ Local, which replaced Google Places as a more streamlined experience to improve the way information is shared between all of Google’s platforms. As a result local businesses have become concerned about what these changes mean for their business and how they can use Google+ Local to benefit them. Google+ Local aims to enhance local searches and connect everyone online with local businesses around the world. Businesses need to be aware of the importance of Google+ Local pages and make sure to optimize their page in the best way possible for their business. In order to understand how your business can get the most out of your Google+ Local page we need to explain how Google+ Local works.
Frequently asked questions surrounding Google+ Local by businesses owners: How does Google+ Local differ from Google Places? Where does Google+ Local fit within Google’s existing offerings? How will searching locally on Google change?
How is Google+ Local different to Google Places? Google+ Local profiles are managed in exactly the same way as Google Places but provide a more aesthetically pleasing layout which is more socially orientated and versatile than Google Places. Although the look and feel of Google+ Local is dramatically different to Google Places, the original functionality remains and has been updated and expanded. Google+ Local places contains all the information that Google places did with a more streamlined layout with the focus falling on more engaging content such as photos and reviews. It has retained all the basic business information from Google places such as your contact details, business description and opening hours as well as a unique profile. In addition to the basic information, Google+ Local has also introduced new features to enable higher engagement with users and a simpler experience. Businesses are now able to show customers what your brand and business is about with more varied information. When giving a business a review, Google+ Local now use the Zagat 30 point rating scale instead of the old 5 star rating system, which allows users to convey a more detailed indication of their experience with the company. The Zagat system allows for a standardised rating system for all businesses in Google+ Local. The new review system and extended social features are exciting additions and should be embraced by businesses.
Where does Google+ Local fit within Google’s existing offerings? Businesses that already possess a Google Places account can transition their account into a Google+ Local account so the information is not lost and can be further enhanced. If you do not already have Google Places set up, you will first need to set up a Google+ profile (if you have not already) and then create a Local page from the same account in which your profile has been set up, as you cannot have a Google+ Local page without an existing Google+ profile. Although users searching on Google do not need to be on Google+ to view your company details, Google no doubt hopes that more consumers will join Google+, as opposed to just businesses due to an enhanced experience and further engagement through Google+.
How will searching locally on Google change? The implementation of Google+ Local means that when users search for a local business on Google, this is now centred around Google+ making local search on Google more social. Information on your Google+ and Google+ local pages are now returned directly in the local search page results on Google. The search results are shown in an expanded view to include location, photos and reviews. When searching on Google, Google+ Local users receive personalized recommendations in the form of reviews and photos from trusted sources such as friends and experts. These personalized reviews are more credible and allow users to find top rated offerings in their area whilst also allowing companies to build their brand and image online. Google+ Local pages can be searched in a variety of ways including through Google+, Google.com, Google Maps and mobile apps such as Google+ and Google Maps, which provides a seamless integration between Google’s platforms. This means that with Google+ your customers can now find your company through the applications they already use regularly on a regular basis, which is particularly great for local searches by users who are increasingly using smart phones to search local businesses whilst on the go.
It is very important for businesses now more than ever to implement and optimize their Google+ Local page as the information displayed here integrates directly with Google maps and also determines how consumers will find your business through local search. It is also highly recommended for businesses to incorporate Google+ into their social media marketing strategy as it ranks well with search engines, particularly its owner Google. Read Trimax Solutions’ newsletter Guidelines For Google+ Business Pages to learn how to use Google+ Business pages to increase ranking, traffic and brand awareness.
Google+ Local provides seamless integration across the Google network. If your business implements Google+ Local now, it will put you ahead of the competition
Take Action NOW - Increase ranking, traffic and brand awareness for your business Contact Trimax Solutions or visit Trimax Solutions website to implement and provide guidance on managing Google+ and Google+ Local Pages or any other social media platform for your business. Trimax Solutions can also apply the best Search Engine Optimization for your business to increase your ranking, traffic and brand awareness. Regularly visit our Trimax Solutions blog page for valuable current information on Internet Marketing and more.
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