Gold Coast Google Maps Optimisation
Oct 28th, 2010
Google once again has just changed their rules, creating tremendous emphasis now on Google Places and how this feature translates into Google Maps listings. The big change made this week has been to move the Google Map image across into the right hand side of the page, away from where it used to be in the middle of the listings, but put the top 6 Google Map listings directly under the sponsored links, where previously organic search results would appear. Now, in many searches, only the top 4 organic searches appear on Page 1 of Google. The other 6 listings have been replaced by the top 6 Google Maps listings, and the Google Maps listings appear above the top 4 organic listings. This is not where the changes end though. The algorithm for ranking Google Maps has changed lso, previously well rank listings have disappeared, not even being included on the maps. Others have appeared in top position.
What does this mean for your business?
Well, to start with, it means you cannot ignore Google Maps anymore. You need to have it set up properly and optimised. If you would like someone to look at your Google Maps listing, give me a call on 0432 742 560 and I will sort it out for you.
It does not mean you should ditch your SEO efforts though in favor of Google Maps. It is still early, but all indications are that websites who have participated in ethical SEO strategies (Ie. based on content) and have decent Google Places listings are the ones who win. IE. If you just concentrate on Google Maps, your competitor who does that and looks after their website also will beat you every time.
As I mentioned, the jury is still out on all the effects of this change. It will require time, observation, testing and tracking to understand the full picture. This is a great example of why it pays to have a professional internet marketer to help you with your online marketing effort. For example, I have just budgeted a couple of thousand dollars for researching this one issue, testing strategies and monitoring results. This is my job, it is what I need to do for my clients. I do this for every single change that Google makes. Can you do this in your business, given the internet is not your area of expertise?