Comments on: A Video Tour of the Google LBC Category Preview Tool

By: Shane Hale

Shane Hale — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:15:19 +0000

@Nate

I’m with you on this one. I have several clients that I utilize one or two custom categories within the LBC. These categories seem to have a further reach and impact on more keyword rankings and overall traffic then the suggested Google Categories. I’ve been trying to focus my attention to the keywords that naturally produce local results versus keywords which require the addition of a city to generate local results.

- shane

By: Billy Deakin

Billy Deakin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:15:04 +0000

Very cool tool, and the vid makes it super simple to understand. I’ve struggled on occasion when adding client’s businesses to Google local, and this definitely looks like it will help.

By: Cristy

Cristy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:42:55 +0000

Great video! This tool was extremely helpful. I was struggling to find what categories applied to my business. Please make more of these!

By: J Ascot

J Ascot — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:37:53 +0000

I have used your tool before and your video makes it much easier to use. Thanks

By: Jim Rudnick

Jim Rudnick — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:46:29 +0000

Mike…

you lying on a beach somewhere? cause I miss your posts!

if so, have a ‘cerveza’ for me too, eh?

Jim

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:31:55 +0000

@maddyret

He used Screenflow on the Mac to produce the screen cast video with the embedded webcam.

By: maddyret

maddyret — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:05:13 +0000

hi Don…
How do you put these videos together…They are great…

By: sam segal

sam segal — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:56:35 +0000

This video is extremely interesting. I think it can help out a lot to choose categories to try and get a local ranking in the 7 pack.

By: Nate

Nate — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:40:43 +0000

Our custom categories have produced results, yes. Our main competitor uses custom categories and dominates Phoenix. We are in a suburb of Phoenix and are struggling to crack the 7 pack for Phx. Unrelated issue, yes, frustrating nonetheless.

By: Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:54:55 +0000

@Nate

I think that judicious and appropriate use of custom categories is warranted. Understanding your users, their search phrases & how google handles them is critical.

The criteria should be results. If the searches on custom categories show in the 7 pack and they result in qualified traffic than by all means use them. It should depend on the competitiveness of your market and your ability to achieve results.