This just was just announced a short while ago on the Google Mobile Site. I think the implications for small businesses and local search are profound, it is now more important than ever to claim your Google Local Business listing and make sure it is correctly optimized.!
Google Maps Navigation is an internet-connected GPS navigation system with voice guidance. It is part of Google Maps for mobile and is available for phones with Android 2.0.
Google Maps Navigation uses your phone’s internet connection to give you the latest maps and business data. But that’s not all that’s different about Google’s approach to GPS navigation. Watch the below video to learn more
According to a new study by TMP and Comscore, almost 40% of people who conducted an Internet search for a local business ended up visiting the store in person.
The most likely action they take after getting the search result is to call on the phone, followed by getting a map and directions.
Some other interesting data points:
5% more people are conducting these types of local searches this year over last year.
For most business categories, local searchers used general search engines (like Google Maps or Yahoo Local) rather than more specialized local search sites or online yellow pages.
Searchers were significantly more likely to access mobile content in 2009 compared with the prior year, up 40% due to more sophisticated mobile devices like the iPhone, Android and Blackberry.
Make sure you are listed in the local directories for Google, Yahoo and Bing at the very least
You’d better have a website with a clear call to action on the home page
Your website had better be optimized for local search results in Google, Yahoo and Bing
An improved interface for local information in web search We changed our interface for local business information when it occurs in search results. It’s now much more readable (larger fonts) and friendlier to use (easier to click on just what you want). Example search: [pizza palo alto] Here are before and after shots for the search.
