Google Local Search – Pay for Play?

I have been touting free Google’s local business directory to attorneys for months.  It only takes a few minutes and it is a quick and easy way immediately increase your online visibility.  However, according to Jim Jantsch, there are now sponsored links showing in some cities for some listings. 

He points specifically to  “Attorney Houston, Tx” which shows several sponsored links among the featured top seven.  I’m not surprised since the Findlaws, Martindales and Avvos are charging attorneys considerable amounts for premium listings in their directories but this trend may make the value of free Google local listings less valuable.

Take advantage of Google’s local biz center

One of my favorite marketing websites, Duct Tape Marketing, posts this video about enhancing your Google local business profile that drives content for the Google maps that people use increasingly for mobile devices.  Did you know you had a local business profile?  If not go to: Google Local Business Center and fill out your profile.  Then watch the video for tips on how to maximize your visibility using categories.  Remember: this is Google so exactly how they use these categories is unclear.  See the discussion about categories in this Duct Tape Marketing link.

I added my profile about nine months ago and it shows up with my mug shot at the bottom of the first page of Google search results on the all too popular name, “Randy Wilson.”