Comments on: The Google “Onebox” on general search phrases

By: Redemption in the Gilded Google Age | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:24:49 +0000

[...] early October I wrote a post about achieving a “an automatically expanded Plus Box” for a client on a valued search phrase (Vacation Rentals Ellicottville NY) BUT having the url [...]

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local » Google Maps - Even more that is going on here

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 19:52:35 +0000

[...] Some additional thoughts: 1. The Local OneBox results now include a direct link to the business website. Thus a business will get site visits not just phone calls from a onebox listing and for the first time there will be an ability to measure results. 2. Google, in pushing organic results so far down the page and highlighting local results, is rewarding a bricks and mortar presence at the expense of a well optimized web site. There are plusses and minuses here but on net, I would choose reality as the preferable predictor of results. 3. Google has added somewhere between 10 and 12 entry points to their Maps product compared to 2 entry points in the previous incarnation of the Local OneBox. Given that there is little else to choose from “above the fold” the user either will visit the website or go into Maps. 4. There appears to be an increased use of the Authoritative OneBox. Previously it was shown when there was no competition locally but now is shown more frequently. 5. Google has changed the ranking algorithm for the results in the Local OneBox (more on this tomorrow). [...]

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local » OneBox patent summary from Bill Slawski

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:34:03 +0000

[...] -The Google â€œOneboxâ€ on general search phrases [...]

By: Optimize your site for local search engine traffic

Optimize your site for local search engine traffic — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 08:07:23 +0000

[...] That being said, once a local business can get into Google Maps (and it doesn’t have to own a website), it has a chance of appearing on the #1 spot above the organic results for a general phrase with a geographical location. While it is certain that Google Maps and Local are not used as much, it is yet another way to get more visibility among the potential customers. It has been reported that a business, listed on the #1 Google Maps position got a lot of contacts. [...]

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local » Best Practices for Local Success

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 17:39:23 +0000

[...] Local Search optimization should be an integral part of every web site marketing plan. The goal is to encourage customers to visit or contact your business and Local Search plays an ever increasing role in this. The ultimate goal in Local Search optimization is a showing your business on the Google Main Search results page (ideally as the “onebox”) on a phrase that generates traffic. [...]

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local » Will Google Maps (Local) data become more accurate & useful over time?

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 21:44:46 +0000

[...] -The presentation of the “onebox” for the authoritative local result [...]

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local » Google Organic Local and Google Maps Local data diverge

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 20:37:39 +0000

[...] This has implications for both optimization strategies for Google Organic AND going forward for the directory assistance service that Google is testing. For the present getting into the top three on the main results page or possibly achieving a “onebox” result on the main results page is all that matters as there is little traffic coming from Google Maps and less yet from the yet unclaimed directory assistance. [...]

By: Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local » Google Vocal Local Phone number change & other thoughts

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 14:44:11 +0000

[...] Currently there is not a lot of PPC advertising in the Google Maps section although the number is growing. But Google has partnered with Verizon to sell PPC, Verizon is spinning off their on-line SuperPages and it appears that local listings with local ads recieve a higher listing in the directory. So not only is Google beginning the monetiztion of directory assistance they are certainly planning more. « Redemption in the Gilded Google Age [...]