Google local searches uses Google Maps to display the links and other details of local businesses. Google local searches feature previously used to appear as a clickable link but Google has made it an integral part of search results. The narrower the search term, the better is the result. For instance, if you are listed under seo services in Nashville then your link will appear at the top along with a map of your area, in case someone looks for “seo services Nashville”.

Google local searches help online marketers?

Google local searches help online marketers. When people are looking to hire local service providers or buy from local vendors, they look for them in the internet rather than scouring the streets. It is so much easier to log on to Google and simply search for “seo services Nashville” rather than flipping through the pages of a directory and then calling various SEO in Nashville. Your listing appears with the map of your area and a balloon graphic indicating your exact location, and if you have provided some photographs the searches can go through them as well.

How do you appear in Google Local Searches?

Getting listed in Google local search is not a crawler or a spider thing. You need to enter your business details on the Google Local Business Center page. Then Google will send you a confirmation or activation code by snail mail. You have to log into your local business center section and enter the code there. Once it is verified, Google takes around 6 weeks to add your listing.

You can also appear on Google local searches by signing up for Google AdWords and then creating a campaign specifically targeted towards your geographic area. Once you do that, your link appears only when people search for your service in that particular area.

Does Google Local Searches Affect SEO?

Google local searches in some way affect SEO. Some search engine experts say that when the local ads or links appear along with the map they take up space of three links that could have appeared there. It means if the local ads or links show up then the last three links on the search results page are pushed to the second page, significantly affecting your exposure. But I don’t think it has significant effect if your business is not limited to your local market. The local links only appear when people are specifically searching within the locality, otherwise they don’t appear.