Google Local Search now known as “Google Places“ allows business owners to update and manage their physical business location information. By having the ability to update local business information at any time, Google Maps and associated Google Properties are able to correctly display business listing on search and display network sites. Currently Google Local Search results tend to dominate the Search Engine Results Page as local businesses appear in the upper fold and above the organic listings. The local search results delivered are based on proximity to City, State and Zip code. All Google listings incorporate business information such as phone number and company website. Once you click on the listing, you can drill down on more specific information such as: address, directions, reviews, more about this place, etc.

I think Google Local Search is a wonderful feature that local businesses should definitely take advantage of. Whether you are on vacation and want to look up the closest pizzeria, or if you’re looking to change dentists, Google Local Search is a fantastic feature to help you find places specifically in your location.

Some common uses of this Google Local Search include:

• Displaying localized results to a search query.
• Building a searchable map that displays query results.
• Creating static map images containing local search results.
• Dynamically create driving directions from a central point to a search result.

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