If you operate out of a local storefront or gallery and have your business listed in Google Places (formerly called Google Business Directory) you may be horrified to know there are changes in Google's mighty algorithm for this product.
For those not familiar with the Business Directory, up to seven businesses were shown at, or very close to the top of search query results when a local listing could be matched with a search query. Business owners that did not have websites could still have a business listing on Google and show up in search results.
Lahle Wolfe, About.com Guide to Women in Business has written a very interesting article about the Google Places changes and how to cope with them. Check it out for more information!
Also recommended:
- New Place Search Shows Google's Commitment To Local - Greg Sterling provides a tour of Google Place and points out that Local SEO used to be all about "Getting in the 7-Pack." Now there is a lot more to it - it's time to have a Place Page and website that ranks well.