Local Search: Google is the New Phone Book, Yellow Pages

Google is the New Phone Book and Yellow Pages. More than half of all Internet users use Google to find local businesses. And, according to Search Engine Watch, twelve Google patent applications were published last week, including seven that focus on geographical information and local search." So it's clear that Google knows what people are looking for.

Take a minute to type the name of your business — or your employer's — into Google. Is the company's Web site at the top of the results? It should be. If the company has a common name, add the location after the company name and search again. Still not there? If not, don't be surprised. This is true for many business Web sites.

Remember, more and more people will be using Google — and Yahoo! and MSN — to find local businesses, so if your site doesn't show up at or near the top of the list, send me an e-mail and I'll fix it for you. (e-mail link at right under Contact Mark McLaren)