Google has always kept their cards close to the vest regarding local ranking factors. They never get into specifics. Also, I’m not alone when I say that the “description” or “introduction” field of your Places page doesn’t seem to … [Continue reading] about Google Places Support Claims Descriptions Help Rankings?
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Crackdown on Service-Area Businesses: the Untold Story of Google’s Local “Pigeon” Update?
Since the "Pigeon" algorithm update last week, we’ve seen a decline in Google Places 7-pack results, plus local rankings reshuffled at least a little bit in most markets. Has all that commotion covered up a crackdown by Google on … [Continue reading] about Crackdown on Service-Area Businesses: the Untold Story of Google’s Local “Pigeon” Update?
Local Business Schema.org Q&A: Tough Questions for David Deering
If you've wrestled with local SEO for more than a few days, you probably know what Schema.org markup is. (And if you don’t, read this and this and loop back here.) You probably have questions about how to use Schema on your site. Me too. That’s … [Continue reading] about Local Business Schema.org Q&A: Tough Questions for David Deering
Real Names Not Needed for Google+ Reviews: Smart or Stupid Move?
Google no longer requires reviewers to use their real names when reviewing businesses on Google+. This is a complete turnaround of the policy Google has had for the last few years. It’s the latest step in Google’s long push to get more Plus … [Continue reading] about Real Names Not Needed for Google+ Reviews: Smart or Stupid Move?
Low-Tech Local SEO Fix-ups for Your Site
You can’t make big or technical changes to your site, for whatever reason. (Maybe you just aren’t sure how.) Your options may be limited, but you still want to start ranking in Google Places and elsewhere. Maybe your webmaster pulled a Houdini … [Continue reading] about Low-Tech Local SEO Fix-ups for Your Site