Google has done it again with local search this month by adding more information on the right side of the search results.  From what we can tell – this is something they’ve been testing off and on earlier this year, but not in a serious enough way for anyone to cover it. However, last month – they rolled out this service in the U.S -> check it out.

local search

Now when you search for a place on Google you’ll see a large part of the screen on the right side taken up by what is essentially the entire Place page for that business. This includes the typical information like the map, prices range, hours, pictures, menu and reviews. But now notice the street view and store view windows readily available. These are both indicated by the little street view mascot “pegman” over the thumbnail picture shown. When you click on these images it will jump to the street view or store view page in the format you’re used to.

A Very Cool Feature

… especially if you’re looking for a single place, or if someone is specifically looking for your place, but what if you don’t know what place exactly you’re looking for?  Well now if you’re searching for places in an area, Google will include this exact information in the Instant Preview feature for any place. Just clicking the “>>” button next to a place’s result will overlay the same information to the right side of the results.

local search 2

 

Local Searching Just Got Easier

This definitely makes finding information about places in your area a lot easier and faster. Keep in mind that the information which shows up on the right side is limited by what’s available on that company’s Place Page, so if you want to take real advantage of this – include as much information about your company on your Place Page.   Also since it also gives links to other review sites like Zagats and Urban Spoon right there, you should be building reviews on those types of sites as well.

Your Reviews in Lights

Another addition to Local Search is the addition of places that you have reviewed showing up as small icons over the Google Map. Under these icons is 1 to 5 dots indicating the rating you have given the location. Hovering your mouse over these icons brings up a bubble showing its average rating, the brief details and what you rated the place. Also included will be icons of places that Google recommends and thinks you may like based on what you’ve reviewed. As of right now, places your friends have reviewed seem painfully absent.

reviews showing up