Google Place Search - O Crap Where Did My Website Go

Yesterday Google released a new format to how they will serve up local results called Google Place Search.

I wrote a post yesterday over here: Google Place Search - What is it & How Do I Survive?

From the post:

Google has just launched a bombshell on the SEO community called “Place Search”. Google Place Search will now replace the local 7-pack results with a larger, and more detailed 7-pack of results that takes up ¾ of the page. (If you cannot see it, simply add &esrch=LocalMergeImpl::Experiment to your search URL; it is still an experiment but will be rolled out the next several days.)

Google said “We’ve made results like this possible by developing technology to better understand places. … One of the great things about our approach is that it makes it easier to find a comprehensive view of each place.”

Personally, I think it is about money. Google is forcing small business owners to use a Google product instead of their website to gain exposure in their search engine. Now, claiming your Google local account is free, but for a small business owner to really stand out they will have to start using Google paid services like: Google Tag, Adwords, or even Google Boost.

Do you think it is coincidence that within one week Google Boost was announced, Google Tag no longer allowed you to promote your website, and now there is a new Places format? I think not. Google wants money!

Check out the full post.

Google Local Results Suggesting Additional Searches Under The Map

Today I was searching on Google and noticed some new enhancements. When searching with a local intent keyword like “San Diego Hotel” I noticed Google was suggesting some additional search refinements.

Now I have not seen this in the past, so I am pretty sure it is a new feature. Are you seeing this? I assume the refinement suggestions are generated by search volumes similar to how their current suggestion system works.

If you need help with your local search optimization you can always contact me!

WTF Apple My Free Iphone 4 Bumper Will Take Over A Month To Get!

So, we all know how apple fucked up their design of the new Iphone 4 antenna where it will loose reception and drop calls. Their solution was a free bumper!

Personally, I have experienced this issue with my iPhone 4 and at first I was in denial, but now I have realize it is a real problem. So, I was very excited about ordering my free iphone case today!

Well, I just got an email confirmation and guess what!? I wont get my free case till September 1st! Over a month away. WTF. Very disappointing, but at the end of the day it is free so do i really have the right to complain?