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Google is at it again.

A recent change in how Google displays local search results has created a competitive advantage for many local businesses while others remain in the dark about the major competitive shift that just occurred.

If you've done a Google search for a local business or local service provider recently (for example, "Accountant in Crawley" or "Florist in Horsham"), you may have already noticed a brand new look at the top of Page 1 for many of these listings. These results are no longer coming from the regular pool of Internet websites that are shown with non-local searches. Instead, the results you see are coming from inside Google's own Business listings (also known as Google Places and formerly Google Maps).

So what does this mean for local business owners?
 
It means a new type of Google Gold Rush is officially on, according to local search consultant Mark Hickman, who is one of the founders of Local Search Dominator.

One of the biggest perks for local businesses is how this has levelled the playing field for those competing against larger, nationally funded budgets. Hickman believes that a small local restaurant could outrank a larger national chain, even if they don’t have a website.

Some of the best news with these changes is that getting ranked with Google Places doesn't require advanced computer or technical skills. It's just a matter of knowing what Google likes in a listing and managing it.

Hickman reassures small business owners when he says:

The importance of online marketing continues to grow as more and more customers use Google to find which company will get their business. The Kelsey Group has told us "97% of all consumers use the Internet to research products and services in their local area." and Google has previously shared that a whopping 90% of searchers never scroll past the first page of results.

Hickman doesn't underestimate the fact when he says, "If your business has a storefront location or does face-to-face business with clients, then you're just plain silly to ignore Google Places.

That's why I've researched and made available a Google Places Checklist for anyone who wants to take that next step, yet avoid the common mistakes and pitfalls."

What is Hickman predicting for the future with local search results and Google Places?

For more information about claiming your Google Places Page call Mark Hickman on 01403 274316, visit the website www.localsearchdominator.co.uk or email info@localsearchdominator.co.uk

"This change is having an immediate and positive impact on the local businesses shown in the Page 1 listings," says Mark. "The Internet-savvy business owners who understand how to take advantage of this are generating new customers for next-to-nothing. Meanwhile, a surprising number are still oblivious to the significance of this change. In fact, Google has revealed that only about 3% of local businesses have even claimed their Google Places listing, let alone optimised it."

(+ Google Checklist)

"It can be fairly easy to get ranked on Page 1 of local search in many markets because the competition is still weak." He goes on to add, "However, it's not necessarily simple as there's a lot of I's to dot and T's to cross to make sure you do it just right and get the extra 'Google love' that will give you an advantage."

"I believe Google will eventually start charging for a Places Page listing in the Google Business Directory. Already you can get an enhanced listing costing £25.00 per month, but for now I'm telling business owners to sit back and enjoy this free ride as long as they can."