Nearly one year ago Website Magazine covered what we then called a "Fascinating New Local SEM Feature at Google". Google Maps (and a great deal of specifically local information) was starting to be integrated in the search results pages on popular queries. It looks as though Google has extended that effort recently and increased the number of results from 3 to 10 for some queries. This signifies (or should) a major change in how PPC advertising will be handled by professional SEM's and the importance of getting involved in fostering a socially active local community.

January 31st, 2007

When end-users search for something like "mexican restaurant in chicago" today, Google displays a OneBox that includes up to ten results at the top of the page or in another prominent position (apparently they are testing the right sidebar as well). 

January 28th, 2008


Approximately eight months ago I mentioned the Google Local OneBox to a conference speaker addressing some specific SEM strategies. He had never heard of it, and he was not alone. As Google SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) become more universal and attract content from a variety of sources, it's crucial to adapt as quickly as possible. I did a quick video capture of how the enhancement actually looks.