Is there a ryme or reason as to rank high on the local maps for Google? I have client who have website that rank in top 5 for organic and have a local map listing but are on page 6 of maps. I need to know what causes google to show map in top 5 or top 7
Local search is the way forward according to SEO expert Bruce Clay http://videos.webpronews.com/2010/11/19/google-turning-into-a-local-search-engine/
WOW! Interesting interview. Im glad my local SEO work over the last 3 months is gonna really payoff even more after the holidays. The shift of local searches is gonna greatly impact my efforts and honestly help a lot of small business get seen in Google searches.
Yes, and Google likes the idea of all those website owners not in the top local results buying Adwords advertising to trump the local search sites.
I actually do nothing but optimization for Google Places listings. There is a lot of rhyme and reason to how they are ranking and that is kind of the secret sauce. What I can tell you is that there are a few major factors that get a client to the front page and keep them their when it comes to local listings and the new SERP display: 1. Content must not violate the Terms Google has in place (many do this unknowingly and G changes it all the time) 2. You need accurate duplication and syndication of the correct business information across the net. (Google scrapes this info and adds it to your listing) 3. Reviews do not all weight equally on where they come from (certain sites have a heavier, more trusted weighting in G's eyes) 4. You need complete content and constant stream of new content (Your biz should have photos, videos, reviews periodically, offers, promotions, etc that change). 5. Finally, you need to go after the right keywords in the format G wants (not the most intuitive way unfortunately, G doesn't quite have it pegged yet) By doing this I have been able to get every client first page within 60 days and keep them there for as long as I have had them as a clients.
I found a really good video fromSEOmoz - http://blog.getlisted.org/how-local-search-engines-work/ it takes more than just a keyword rich google places listing to rank well for local search
Here is a good link for you to help you with getting your local listings going: http://www.trafixs.com/Build-a-Google-Places-Listing-Trafixs-Tut.pdf Its a good tutorial.
I think it's based on positive ratings and reviews and the age and reputability of your business. There could also be a factor of IP geolocation but it's probably minor for local searches.
Getting listed too local directories like directories for business in Florida or directory for UK sites helps on Google local listing..
If you can afford it you should try and host your site in the country you are targeting. For example my site is targeting the UK so I am hosting it in the UK this helps with google i.e we default to google.co.uk. I have also added the tags: <meta name="geo.position" content="xx.xx;-xx.xx"> <meta name="geo.country" content="GB"> <meta name="geo.region" content="GB-CRF"> <meta name="geo.placename" content="Cardiff"> I'm not sure if Google has started to take notice of these?
I have not seen the age of your business or having positive reviews really affect anything. I have created brand new listings that pass up ones that have been around for years and have a few hundred reviews. Having the correct geo-tagged info for your content does help but it's all in where you have it put out there that makes the difference.