It would appear that Google have now started to list local search results for generic keyword searches, even when the actual search term used does not include a specific town or area. Previously local search results would only appear if the search term included a particular location.

For example, using the search term “electrician manchester” will produce a list of local electricians in Manchester that have registered with Google for a local business listing. However using the single keyword, “electrician” would not have previously produced any local search results. All that has now changed and local search results now appear, even when a location has not been specified.

This change has now made a Local Business Listing even more important.

See my Blog post “The Importance Of Google Local Search Results” for further information and a link to register for your free business listing.

Single keywords that trigger the Google local search results do appear to be limited at the current time. However I am sure that this will be developed and expanded quite quickly.

What appears to be happening is that Google has recognised that my search term has some form of local intent and shows me local business listings based on the geographic location of my IP address. If the local listings do not match your exact location, simply click on “Change Location” and enter your postcode.

Based on my limited research, I was able to see local results for Electrician, Plumber, Restaurant and Doctor. I am sure there are many others.

As an example, here are the local results for the search term “electrician” in my area.

Local business results for electrician near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 4JW

- Change location - Back to results

		Switch Electrical Solution – maps.google.co.uk 24 Main Rd, Parson Drove, Wisbech – 01945 700896 Directions and more »
		EJ Carter – maps.google.co.uk High Rd, Guyhirn, Wisbech – 01945 450774 Directions and more »
		Anglia Electrical Installations Ltd – maps.google.co.uk High Rd, Guyhirn, Wisbech – 01945 450618 Directions and more »
		More results near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 4JW »

A Local Business Listing is now essential for every small business!

Appearing on the first page of Google for these incredibly competitive keywords used to be almost impossible without spending a huge amount of time, effort and money on Professional Seo services.

This now offers you the opportunity to achieve a page one listing for competitive single keyword search terms, simply by registering with Google and creating your free business listing.

If you have not already done so, register your business today.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2009 at 10:23 and is filed under Industry News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.