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

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.