OK, I posted this in the Google section of this Board and didn't get any answers so I'll try here: We're Getting requests for local SEO and I need to learn the basis for the A - G listings next to the Google map within typical raw searchs (do a search for "__your-town plummer__" or locksmith or some other local brick and mortar business. The listings next to the map seem to have its own ranking algorithm. I have found in my webmaster account how to add a listing but I need to learn how the top rankings are formulated within the map area. Anyone have any insight ? Go to any search with a map, then check a listing just to the right (A-g), then in that listing click the link "more info" this will take you to another Google page, on the bottom of the page there apears to be BACKLINKS but the back links are NOT associated with the actual site. Are these back links targeted at the map listing some how ?
http://local.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=7091 Probably would be a good place to start, it's vague but gives you a general idea of how things work.
I think the secret of getting high rank on google local could be your area specific keyword selection..
Yes I did read that before I started this thread. They say about the same thing for the General search and yet through trial and error, tips tricks and tid bits of secrets are found and shared. Thank you for your help it is appreciated
it is based on many factors and as you dont need a website to get listed here backlinks can't figure that greatly if you get yourself in local business directories which google use for this. Also it depends geo location.
cmon guys, this is big, I know someone out there has some informative anwsers, this is just too big for someone not to have figured this out. i.e. FIRST PAGE AND TOP OF THE PAGE. some of you would throw your mother down the steps for this kind of listing/indexing. please teach us all and you will be a hero in all our eyes and our mothers won't get the shakes around steps any more either