Local Search: Google Maps & Place Pages Expectations in RSA

I recently noticed that for the first time Google displayed in my
Local Business Centre actual visitor stats to my Place Page. These stats
have been shown to users in USA for months.

For April my maps listing was shown 5,404 times (Impressions) and 22
visitors viewed my Place Page.

These impressions were the direct result of my SEOza Place Page being
found in Google’s search results. If I hadn’t created my place page then
SEOza would not have appeared in the results and I would not have
enjoyed those 22 visitors.

Of course 22 is not a lot but it is 22 more than I would normally
have. Also contrast this with the fact that few people are aware of
Google Maps still and this performance can only improve with time.

Google Maps South Africa is Way Behind USA

We can tell what will be happening in South Africa as far as local
search and Google Maps is concerned by watching what has happened in the
USA. On this basis expect to see the following improvements:

• Service areas – this is now available. It
  allows businesses to show a service area on Google Maps without
  showing their specific address. This means it’s no longer necessary
  to show a private address making Google Maps much more convenient
  for individuals or home based businesses.
• Advertisement for the 7pack – it costs $25 to advertise a
  listing on the Google 7 pack
• Business photos – It’s possible to include pictures of the
  inside of your business and post them on your Place Page. This means
  customers can actually take a peak inside your  physical
  location. This will be very important for businesses such as spas,
  hairdressers, restaurants etc where appearance is what really
  matters.
• Coupons and real time updates – It’s already possible to add a
  coupon to a place page in South Africa but it’s not possible to post
  real time information. This is coming.
• Customized QR Codes – This allows a business to provide a unique
  code that can be printed and scanned by some smart phones to take
  someone directly to your Place Page. This code can be printed on
  almost any type of print media including a business card.
• Links – Google will now allow business owners to add discreet
  links on their Place Page.

I would urge you to read more…
click here to see more info on Google’s blog

MMore importantly you need to make sure you are fully able to take
advantage of this massive opportunity Local Search offers.

Review the comprehensive materials produced by ourselves to help you maximise your Local Search presence and blow your competitors away.
Click here to learn more

Check out these links for more information:

Local Search Resources for the Next “Big Thing” Online.


Click Here

Stay informed about workshop April 28th 2010

Click Here

Summary of Benefits from Adwords workshop

Click Here

Back to Home Page

Contact details for
SEOza
are: unit J6 Hingham Field Office Park, 79 Boeing Rd East, Bedfordview 2007. Tel
011 454 0105 Business Hours 09.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday.

See SEOza listing on Google Maps. … GPS Locations: S 26.16582 E 28.14080 | Close to Gilhooley’s Farm & Jeppe Quondam