There is something new and exciting in the world of search engine optimization and it’s called Google Local. Originally Google was fairly simply using links to measure any given websites relevancy to a topic. But as Google grows and search engine industry with it, there needs to be new ways to use the search engine and new ways to find what you’re looking for. Welcome to the world of personalized and geo-targeted results. So the new system is going to use not only links but a combination of factors in determining which websites are most relevant. Some of these factors are popularity, geography and content relevancy (i.e. LSI). When searching for something on Google with a specific city in mind it’s going to bring up a special set of results. These results are the beta version of Google Local.

Now as you can see there’s something a little bit off about Google Local, and if you’re an experienced search engine optimization professional you can probably tell that the results look so different from the regular organic listings that it’s likely an entirely different algorithm is being used here. Notice that some listings don’t have websites. Also notice the fact that results are not based on which result is the closest to the address or city you typed in. When you click into the expanded list you’re going to see a sort of top 10 results with a map of all their locations.

So it’s obvious that Google right now is using a new algorithm mixed with local directory listings to achieve these very specific results. Not only does this open up an entirely new form of advertising (sponsored local results) but it will also mean that this will open up a new category of competition for search engine optimizers. As of right now Googles results are unpredictable however there may be a few things you can do to ensure that you are a result. First sign-up with Google and Yahoo local and make sure your business is listed. Google Local. Yahoo

Then if you are listed make sure that all of your information is accurate and up to date. After that I would check your local directories like CitySearch and ensure that when your business is searched for; accurate information appears. There may be a need for you to spend some money getting listed otherwise. Some places to consider are BBB and Superpages. Also try to get noticed in your community, sponsor/donate to charity events, participate in major local events anything to get your business noticed locally. This also helps market your business virally which extends far beyond internet marketing alone. As of right now there isn’t a whole of resources to rank in any certain spot on Google Local and there is basically no local search engine optimization but if you’re a legitimate business simply the fact that this is new gives you an opportunity for exposure, since not many are competing…. yet.