The new layout of Place Pages puts a heavy emphasis on reviews. More specifically, it emphasizes reviews from Google users and no longer shows review content from third party sites. (Google had issues with both Yelp and TripAdvisor over review snippets last year, you may recall.)

Rather than showing external reviews, the new Place Page only links to third party sites after showing a selection of Google user reviews. The review emphasis is also obvious with not one, but two cherry red “Write a review” buttons. Here’s a look at an example Place Page with Google’s new look-and-feel.

Article by Search Engine Land

Read N.Y. Times article here.

Carlos Garcia

Miami, FL

Google is now coming out and acknowledging that they are using Facebook and Twitter links to influence search ranking.  This gives even more priority for businesses to use Social Media like Facebook and Twitter.  I think that Google is looking towards this approach to better define the reputation component of it search algorithm.  We know that in the past 2 years reputation on the Internet has become a dominant factor in how businesses are looked upon on the web.  And Google wants to make sure it’s search results reflect the most accurate representation.

Since so many people talk about their experiences with businesses, products and services via FB and Twitter, it makes perfect sense to look toward them for more insight.

So what does all this mean for your business?  Well, you better start paying attention to what people are saying about you.  Read what people and customers post about your company, products and services.  If someone is not happy, then you have a great opportunity to turn the situation around and make someone happier and more likely to say nice things in the future.  It is going to require time and effort on your part.

As in the brick and mortar world, guarding your good reputation is even more important that ever.

Carlos Garcia

PS You can watch Matt Cutts from Google explain how they are using this new approach.

Carlos Garcia is a Google Adwords Certified Partner

I am happy to announce that I successfully completed the re-certification process with the Google Adwords program and I’m now a Google Adwords Certified Partner.  The new requirements to be a certified partner are quite substantial compared to the previous qualification process.  To be certified with Google an individual must now pass 2 exams instead of one. 

I also have a specialization in the Google Display Network advertising and can help your company reach more prospective customers through this powerful platform.

Who are Google AdWords Certified Partners?

Google AdWords Certified Partners are online marketing professionals, agencies, and other individuals – such as search engine marketers (SEMs), search engine optimizers (SEOs), and marketing consultants – who currently manage or want to manage AdWords accounts. They must sign up for the program successfully and have an active AdWords account. Partners go to extra lengths to attain this status, including passing our exams, which demonstrates their in-depth knowledge of AdWords.

Many Google AdWords Certified Partners run businesses helping people start up and manage Google AdWords programs, Read more about using a Google AdWordsCertified Partner.

You can find a list of Google AdWords Certified Partners in Google Partner Search, an online directory where you can locate professionals to help you with your AdWords program.

Why would I use a Google AdWords Certified Partner?

Like many advertisers, you may not have a significant amount of time to invest in learning AdWords and managing your own advertising account. Hiring a professional can help save you time while maximizing the return on your investment.

Google Certified Partners have invested time training and using AdWords to become certified, and using their expertise may benefit your campaigns and help generate new leads and business from Google advertising programs.

In choosing a Google Certified Partner, you should consider your core advertising needs and try to match them with a professional’s services. You can look for someone who may be able to provide the services you’re looking for with Google Partner Search.

How Google search works video.  Click here to watch.

 http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/26/1647957/google-touts-power-of-a-click.html

I am happy to announce the launch of MiamiSearchPro.com.  This site will help companies in South Florida that are looking for a reliable and experienced Google AdWords Professional.  Visit the site and let me know what you think.

Carlos Garcia

A client called me the other day, about this very issue. His son was playing around on Google maps, and within a few moments was able to access photos of their house on Google’s Street View. As a father of 2 young kids and a business owner who ran a home office, my client was concerned about what this would mean for the safety of his home and privacy of his business. Would competitors realize he was working form home and drive by his house? Was his family safe while he was away on a sales call?

I assured him that there was an easy way to have these images removed, and I thought  I would share this beneficial information with all of you. If you would like to have the street view image removed from your local Google listing all you need to do is follow these simple steps…

 1)  Enter your address into Google Maps

 2)  While you are on the ‘Street View’ Image click on the ‘Report a Problem’ link in the lower left hand corner of the Street View image.

 3)  A box will pop up allowing you to send an email directly to Google. Explain the problem and Google will review your request and take appropriate action. You can even click the box below the email field to request that they send you an email when the issue is resolved.

For more information on this click on this Google Maps help link.

Carlos Garcia

CarlosGarcia.com

We ordered pizza the other day from this little place just down the street. It’s been there for years and the owner knows us when we come in, so it has that great neighborhood, hometown feel…you know, the kind of thing you want from your regular pizza place.

There’s a lot to be said for local businesses. They shape our community, drive local economy, and people just feel good supporting the companies that their friends, family and neighbors are a part of. In today’s economy, people seem to be rallying around local businesses and supporting the people that help form their community’s landscape. There has really never been a better time to take advantage of advertising to your local market. It’s cost-effective and can bring immediate business, improving your bottom line.

So, are you taking advantage of all of the opportunities to advertise locally?

Whether you have been a resident for years are are new in town most people turn to Google when they are looking for businesses in the area. Google’s local listings provide a great opportunity for people to locate the businesses that are just around the corner (like a local pizza place), read reviews, access company websites and more. By updating your local listing on Google you can ensure that your business is easier to find, when local residents search for your services or products. Taking advantage of Google’s Local Listings also allows you to establish a higher priority on Google maps, gain more exposure and advertise to the market that most impacts your business’s growth.

Google Local Advertising is just one of the many services we offer to help you grow and expand your business. We will be happy to tell you more about how you can make an impact within the community and improve your bottom line with Google. Contact us today to get started.