There’s been a lot of chatter about Google’s latest augmentation of their local map results. Earlier this year, there were many additions of map results to local search queries (explicit or implied). Then Google announced new Local Listing Ads that would show above the natural map results – currently a regional trail only in San Francisco and San Diego. Most recently, we’ve seen a change to local map results in every region – a reduction in the number of local results from 10 to 7. In this reduction Google also made an addition – they took away 3 “natural” maps listings while adding 4 paid listings above.

There are a few interesting things happening here: Read More

Looking at some local search queries this morning, it appears as though Google is testing a new 7-pack of results as opposed to the 10-pack we have all gotten used to.

Here is a screenshot of the new layout:

The results are still in the same order as yesterday for the searches that I performed, just missing the last 3 on the list. For those businesses rounding out spots H, I and J this is definitely a big blow in larger markets, but a great reason to work that much harder to improve visibility!

Will this move from 10 to 7 listings create a more authoritative appeal to searchers?

For businesses that have taken the steps to sign up with Google’s Local Business Center, Google has a new offering available – Local Listing Ads. Unfortunately it is only currently available in San Diego and San Francisco as a trial! While they are not intended to compete with AdWords in any way, I can see there being some overlaps in the positions used to display ads, as well as by the businesses who choose one platform over the other. It all seems very easy to set up and a good value add to customers that are taking advantage of Google Local already (even more value add to those that aren’t!). Ads are displayed based on the following:

• Business location
• Search categories
• Where the user is performing their search


Here is a video explaining the program: Read More

Obtaining a listing that shows up in the prominent Google one-box or local 10-pack is becoming increasingly important for any business looking to compete in a local marketplace. Where the print Yellow Pages used to dominate the local advertising dollars, the big 3 search engines, local and national vertical directories and IYP’s are on the rise, full steam ahead.

When Google one-boxes first started popping up years ago, it was few and far between for most local based searches without a great set of tools to further improve the visibility and rankings short of adding keywords to your business name. Read More

Today I saw an interesting notification from Yahoo!

Dear Product Submit advertiser,

From November 2, 2009, until December 29, 2009, Yahoo! will be making a seasonal rate adjustment by increasing the cost per click (CPC) by 25% in all categories. This means that during this period your actual billed CPC will be 25% higher. This adjustment reflects the increased consumer buying activity during the holiday shopping season, which is typified by increased leads, better conversion to sale, and increased revenue for our merchant partners. The 25% adjustment to your billed CPC will be reflected on your Click Report and in your invoice.

Please Note: You will not need to make changes to your account before or after this period.

I get the mentality here, though I don’t agree with it.25% seems like quite a hike to blanket all categories. Usually, CPCs are determined by the competitiveness of the market and bids of others in that market. Raising everything off the bat is an interesting tactic as it could be seen as gouging their current customers rather than increasing profits through expanding their market share.