2010 has seen Google place a lot more emphasis on optimising search for local businesses. In late October 2010 they released a major upgrade that merged their maps, search and ‘places’ local business listings technology.
Some have termed Google Places and Maps as the ‘phonebook killer’. Who could argue, with 80% of the population now ignoring the old phone book and yellow pages listings. It’s all good news for small business and retailers. Here’s some exciting observations from SEO Industry Leader and Visionary, Bruce Clay, in November 2010.
Ref Webpronews and Bruce Clay Inc
Note the key takeaway from this – Google is becoming a LOCAL SEARCH ENGINE.
Where does this leave Yellow Pages, the new Locallist site as well as established industry directory sites like Finda, Menus, Dine and dozens of others? Even if they do have a more targeted service, if fewer are people are visiting them and now using Google instead for their local or industry search, how can they survive long term? Interesting times…
Predictions for 2011
from Bruce Clay Jan 2011.
” For SEO, local search results are currently seen on 20 percent of all search result pages and I predict that local results will grow to 50 percent by year end before settling between 70 percent and 80 percent by the end of 2012.”
Wow. Great news for those in retail and business.