Google has made some changes to their ‘Onebox’ display when a user searchers for local results on Google.com. Earlier this year local search results started appearing at the top of organic results which was great news for local businesses – especially if they appeared in the top 3 positions for that search.

The screenshot below (taken from Small Business SEM) shows the changes to the Google ‘Onebox’. These include:

1. Additional red balloons on the map representing businesses not listed in the top 3 results. This clearly shows users that there are other businesses in the area and not only the top 3 that may have been assumed in the past.
2. The ‘More results’ link at the bottom should provide additional exposure to Google Maps where users can view and search for other local businesses.

I am a huge fan of local business results appearing at the top of organic results due to the relevance of the information presented. A user searching for Italian Restaurants near Portland is instantly provided with a choice of restaurants including their location, contact information, directions and even reviews by others.

In the near future I will be posting some of my findings on Google Local and how you can improve your Google Local Listing ranking.

ineedhits has now released Local Search Listing. Get submission to 35 Local Search Engines and your very own Online Profile Page for $24.95/month. Click here to find out more.

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