Google's Local Business Dashboard - Don't Do Local Search Without It!

Today, we'd like to show you how to take advantage of Google Local Business listings. The Google Maps team has just launched a new dashboard in its free Local Business Center that will provide you with information on how users interact with your local listing on Google Maps and Google Search.

This is very important as local listings has become an increasingly important part of the Google algorithm. Because the information is verified using humans or via phone book listing, Google gives strong weight to those who are listed. This will result in your listing being shown in more search results.

As you can see below, the dashboard will show you stats such as how many times your business comes up as a search result, how often people click through, which queries led customers to the business listing, as well as which zip codes customers are coming from when they request directions to your location. All you have to do is claim your listing in the Local Business Center and go through a quick verification process to get access to this information.

For the local business who relies on Google in helping customers find the business, you can now measure the impact of search, especially the top search queries that result in your business showing up in the listings. Once you see these search queries, you’ll want to have your listing show up more often in searches. This will lead you into assessing whether you should move forward and buy the keywords in the Google AdWords campaign. You’ll also want to think about optimizing your website to get more inbound traffic from natural search results who are LOOKING for your product or service.

If you are interested in knowing more, go to the Office Google Blog to learn more details about Google's new Local Business Center Dashboard.

Labels: google local business center, search engine marketing

posted by Fred @ 10:11 PM