This document provides an overview of local search optimization on Google+. It discusses how 73% of online activity is related to local content and how failing to set up a local profile is a missed opportunity. It describes Google+ Local as allowing businesses to add and manage their physical locations online to provide information to potential customers. It explains the differences between a Google+ Local page, Google+ Business page, and combining the two. Finally, it outlines some key optimization factors for local search including accurate location, fully completing the business profile, and obtaining citations of the business name, address and phone number online.

1. Local
Search
Optimization

2. Contents
1
Why Local Search is Important
2
What is Google+ Local?
3
Google+ Business
5
Optimization Factors

3. Why Local Search
is Important
73% of all online activity is related to local content (Google)
82% of local searchers follow up with a phone call or visit to
your location (TMP/Comscore)
40% of mobile searches have local intent (Google)
As mobile traffic continues to increase,
failing to set up a local profile is a big
missed opportunity.

4. What is Google+
Local?
Google + Local allows business owners to add, update and
manage their physical locations online
It provides potential customers with business
information and connects businesses with
local customers

5. What is Google+
Local?
How it appears in Google search results

6. What is Google+
Local?
Google+ Local is not only for Small Businesses
Required to rank in Google Local (maps.google.ca/com)
Increase in smart phones usage means an increase in
the number of searches with local intent
More map listings will be displayed
on mobile devices

7. Google+ Business
Before May 2012, all local listings were considered
Google Places
In May 2012, Google Places became “Google+ Local”
Businesses had the
option of combining
their Google+ local
listing with a Google+
Business page.

8. Google+ Business
The 4 types of pages to remember:
1. Google+ Local Page
3. “Upgraded” Google+
Local Business Page
2. Google+ Business Page
4. “Personal” Google+ Page

9. Google+ Business
1. Google + Local Page
The new name for a Google Places Page
This will show in maps.google.ca and rank in the local
listing on page 1 of Google SERP (If you are in a
top position)

10. Google+ Business
2. Google + Business Page
A page for any type of business, not just local
Will not show in Google maps (will not rank)
If you want to rank you have to create a
Google + Local page for the specific locations
Once it is created, it cannot be changed

11. Google+ Business
3. “Upgraded” Google+ Local
Business Page
When you combine the local and business pages
This will show in maps.google.ca and rank in the local
listing on page 1 of Google SERP (if client is in top
positions)
+

12. Google+ Business
4. Google+ “Personal”
Used when authorship markup is implemented

13. Optimization Factors
1. Location
2. On profile
3. Citations

14. Optimization Factors
1. Location
Where your business is located
Proximity to centroid

15. Optimization Factors
2. Profile Optimization
Accurate categories selected
100% profile completion

16. Optimization Factors
2. Citations
A mention of Name, Address and Phone Number
(NAP) on the web

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