Google Local Search Tips

You can fill out a profile like this for your business by going to the Google Local Business Center.
I'll be posting tips and tricks for how you can improve your profile and raise it up the list in these rankings. The formula for this is largely unknown, but we've discovered some methods for getting the best results in local searches, and we'll keep adding them to this page.

The way that Google determines search results ranking for these local pages is different than normal web page results. Here's a great article called the 10 Likely Elements of Google's Local Search Algorithm.

We also know that the completeness of the profile not only helps you stand out more for users in the search results, but helps your ranking as well. For example, profiles with more complete information filled in seem to rank better. Beyond your basic business information, some of the important elements include:

• Business Hours
  
• Photos and videos
  
• Coupons
  
• Number of Reviews
  
• Specialties or certifications (especially for doctors)
  
• Forms of payment accepted
  

In general, the more complete your profile, the better. And it is also better to have your own website to list in your profile listing as well. This will help you not only in local search results rank, but other search rankings.