Let's cut straight to the chase: we think not!
However, according to this recent post on Search Engine Journal, it does seem that Google+ local is on the retreat.
Read below for an overview of the changes.
What is Google+ Local?
Google+ Local is Google’s answer to Yell.com and other local business directories, except it is a whole lot more powerful because it runs on top of the search engine giant.
It allows business owner to take control of their online Google profile, and to add images, a description, a logo and their address.
The concept is great, but many feel that Google’s implementation has been less than stellar.
It seems Google agrees, and they have stripped back a lot of the existing features, making for a more streamlined usable Google+ that is more mobile-friendly.
Here is a list of the areas that have changed:
- Contact information
- Reviews or Star Ratings
- Business Photos
- Business Description
What does this mean for business owners?
Things may have changed a little, but local SEO is still alive and kicking.
Here at GWS Media, we shall continue with building a local presence for our clients.
Although we think that there are more changes to come, Google will continue to be the number one place customers go to find services and providers.
Here are some stats courtesy of Myles Anderson from BrightLocal, our favourite Local SEO software.
- 97% of consumers use the internet when researching local products/services (Source: BIA/Kelsey)
- 43% of consumers search every month for a local business (Source: BrightLocal Local Consumer Review Survey, 2015)
- The number one reason for an online search is to find the location of a ‘known’ business (Source: comScore, Neustar Localeze, 15 Miles – Local Search Study, 2014)
- 78% of mobile searches for local businesses result in a purchase (Source: Local Search Association Conference, 2014)
- Local Search delivers better ROI than all other online channels (Source: BrightLocal Clicks & Calls Survey, 2015)
- 34% of SEOs/SMBs would choose Local search above any other marketing channel (Source: BrightLocal Clicks & Calls Survey, 2015)
