How Google Local can be good for SEO and your business
I have been having some interesting observations in the last few days working for a client’s online programme.
You might not be using Google Local (India) and perhaps your friends are not aware of what it is. But if you are planning to have your business seen prominently on Google Search and Google Maps, then Google Local could be the way in.
Have a look at the following picture. The screenshot is the result of the search query ‘diabetes treatment in India’. You can see the map of Diafree Treatment Center coming out on top. Now where is that map coming from? Google Local Business Listings.
This second screenshot displays the search results of the query ‘web designers Delhi’. You will see that before the organic search results come out, there are 10 links on top clubbed under the category, Local Business Results…’ Yup. From Google Local.
This third picture displays the result of the query ‘movie theatres delhi’ in Google Maps. You can notice the three markers on the map displaying Paras Theatre, Eastwood Enterprises, and Movie Times. Again from Google Local. Though out here, it might not be necessary that if you register in Google Local, your company name will come out on top on the left hand panel. Maybe this needs to be supplemented with good SEO ranking.
These are just my observations and might not be entirely correct. What do you say?
I'm a marketing communications consultant and a web 2.0 enthusiast based out of New Delhi, India. I also write at 
2. May 2008 at 10:55
Wow cool! Alteast im going to use google local.
2. May 2008 at 11:30
Yes I think we should or at least recommend to clients.
2. May 2008 at 22:56
Google recently did a big promotion for Google Local in India complete with stickers and maps, but not many Indian companies have evinced interest.
15. October 2008 at 04:03
advseo.com will do allof that for just $ 99.00