KML and Geo Sitemap Tool

I just came across a blog post on a tool to create KML files and geo sitemaps. For the uninitiated (which included myself up until 45 minutes ago) a KML file is what Google Earth, Google Maps, and a variety of other mapping programs use to store map information.

The idea is to use this tool to create files that you put on your website to get yourself on the map easier. Yet another trick of the trade to add to my toolbox.

I'm Thankful for Google Chrome

I downloaded Google's browser, Chrome, when it came out and over time it's become my browser of choice. I just found an online comic book by Scott McCloud that Google published explaining pretty much everything about Chrome that I love. Take a look and try Chrome out. It's great.

Google Changes Their Business Listing Quality Guidelines

Google made a change last week to their Business Listing Quality Guidelines. The big issue was that Google was requiring people to list their full legal business name as the company name, but they quickly reversed direction on that decision. Many companies don't actually do business under their legal name (I don't!) and requiring it on a Google listing may have been a step too far.

Another big change is that PO Boxes no longer count as physical addresses. I can see this really affecting how mobile businesses do their listings, especially in the lawn maintenance, locksmith, plumber, electrician, and repair industries. I have a few customers that I'll need to fix this for. There has to be an elegant way to address this issue for those kinds of customers. I guess we'll have to wait for Google to come up with it.

As always, pay attention to what Google wants and you'll get good results in your Local Search efforts.

Google Maps and free business local listings

The bottom line? Google is mapping the planet one place at a time and providing it for us in Place Pages. The information gathered in different ways, is enhanced, in typical Google fashion, by users around the globe making it more human, more useful. Can SMBs benefit? A Google SVP recently spoke about Maps and noted: “Everything is finally in place to enable small businesses to connect with customers online”.

These technologies and the competitive implications of Google’s moves to map everything including local businesses means that if you are not using the internet to YOUR business' full advantage today, you are simply missing out.

FREE ADVICE if you haven't claimed your Google local business listing already: watch this two minute video brought to you by Google to learn how. IT IS FREE!

Today in the US alone, there are almost 1billion searches with local intent from consumers which are ready to buy a product or service. Searches are getting longer, more granular. Down to the city or zip code, niche service, brand, model, or whatever your company sells.

Furthermore, geospatial information is the building block for the whole next generation of user experience from smart phones to virtual reality. More reason to do something now if you want to take advantage of emerging opportunities. It is not when you are going to do something for your business to BE FOUND...it is a matter of when.

We believe your business is #1 and businesslocallistings.com is 100% effective in getting it there. Visit our FAQs tab and I will show you how to get your local listing to the #1 spot. Our pricing (see Packages tab) is yet another reason why your business local listing can't wait.

Call me for a free consultation about how to make your business local listing #1...especially when a user queries for that specific brand you carry or any product or service you offer.

Increase visibility. Increase sales.

Get your SMB on the map today!

Michael Alfonso
Business Local Listings - South Florida
954-600-4066

web: www.businesslocallistings.com
email: malfonso@businesslocallistings.com

Google's Lucky 7-Pack

Going through local searches late last week, I noticed that the Google Map looked a little different. As I looked closer, I noticed that the map only had 7 spots on it as opposed to the usual 10.

However, my cousin was getting married on Friday, and, what with matrimonial festivities and all, I wasn't able to investigate it closer until Sunday and today.

What I've discovered is this. Yes, it appears that Google is moving to a smaller 7-pack map. The speculation is that they're doing this to make room for Local Listings Ads, a new type of advertising that Google recently rolled out in beta testing in California. Basically the ad allows businesses to buy a spot on the map and mark it with a blue marker!

I actually like the new look of the map. It's more compact and easier to read, we'll see how it integrates with Local Listings Ads once they make them available worldwide.

Official Google Blog: Place Pages for Google Maps: There are places we remember!

Official Google Blog: Place Pages for Google Maps: There are places we remember!

New Google Map / Local Listing Design

I'm in Google Maps every day as a part of my job promoting the hell out of Local Search and I came across an interesting change in Google Maps. When you click on "more info" from Google Maps, but not yet from the Google 10-pack, you get a different, more expanded version of the Local Listing. That's a screenshot of my own listing there on the right.

Highlights include:

• Visible Business categories
• Distance to the nearest major intersection
• Nearby bus stops! (They obviously don't know Tampa! Who uses the bus?)
• Full business description and a sample review
• Google Map of the location and a picture of the business from the street
• Expanded versions of tabs that you used to have to expand in the old style of listing including Details, Photos & Videos, Reviews, Web Pages, and User Content

I really like the new layout, let's see if they roll it out to all the local listings, or if it stays strictly on Google Maps.

Update: So I just found an article, and posted a link, identifying these as Google Place Pages. The official blog states that one exists for every spot on the map!