On April 6th, Google announced they were going to integrate Local Search Results into the regular SERPs more frequently. And they weren’t kidding.
While it is far from perfect in serving true “local results” it is headed in the right direction. Here are some examples:
You can see the ZIP Code entry, however, if you input your ZIP code, the results will NOT all be local. This is something that they are still working on and clearing out the bugs in the system, however, it goes beyond because most of the AdWords ads displaying are from areas 200 miles away.
That’s hardly local.
Sure Google states that they will give you a “broad” geographical location based on your IP address and you can change your location by clicking on the “Change Location” link, but a 200 mile radius for local search is ridiculous.
Let’s get more specific and search for just “flowers” and look at your results. They should all be local to your area. In my area, even though she only does wedding flowers, my wife’s site is appearing #5 for the generic term “flowers” but more importantly, above her main competitor – which is always good. 
If I search for “shoes” I don’t get any local results, but I do for pizza, dentist, doctor, and even if I type in “indian food.”
What does this mean?
Well, if you are selling ANYTHING you can now get in the main search results with your local listing. In my view, this is going to be huge and makes my Local Blueprint even more valuable. I’ll be finishing a complete analysis of this new change in Google and I’ll be posting the results for the members of the SEO Revolution (shameful paid membership plug). 
The main reason I started the SEO Revolution was out of frustration. Frustration at all of the lies and misconceptions that are posted in forums, given as advice in teleconferences, and even taught in live workshops. "So why didn't all of this work?" " Why wasn't my site successful?" " Why am I still stuck in a rut?" 
A PPC client of mine and myself have found over the past year that Local search is really hitting the mainstream. In light of this news, we affirm that Google recognizes this as well. Thanks for the update.
Hey Jerry.
Is there a sense to look/work on this for people who don`t have actual physical store? to explain; I have store/website that only sells product online.Should I be looking into it? Thanks for your answer!
Thanks for the information. I’m still curious how Google is going to handle the rampant local spam issues, and people stealing local listings.
While these additional search functions seem great, they’re also problematic and I anticipate many small businesses will be negatively affected.
Regards
Nathan
I typed in “mustache” and “hickory, nc” it came up with an image of Jerry with a mustache. Sweet!
I sure hope that Jerry answers this one.
If I have an affiliate site for a TV model – and have top page rank for the model # and some keywords …
Are people going to see listings for their local Best Buy store! This could have devastating consequences for affiliate marketers.
Dave,
No, this will not affect you. The local results only appear for general keyword phrases, not specific ones. You can prove this by actually inputting the searches and looking at the results.
The google change seems like it will make the google search for items more user-friendly for people. Only time will tell what adjustments we all need to make in our marketing sites.
Jerry,
I hoping you can help here. I have a client that is a plumber. With Google Local, knowing where the search resides, my client is going to have to compete with the keyword, plumber. This will be nearly impossible. He currently is ranked for “plumber cedar park”. If local searchers stop typing in their location, local businesses are going to miss out big time. Google is currently not listing local businesses at the top for generic terms even though the searcher is looking for a local business. The only thing that Google is bringing back is Google Local Maps. This is hit and miss in getting ranked for Google Maps. Do local businesses continue optimzing for their local city names, neighborhoods, and zips? What is your top recommendation for local SEO?
Thank you
Oh…and please let me know when your Local BluePrint is ready!
Thanks
Local SEO is best hit by getting a Google Local account and using available marketing techniques to get there.
Will do. Thanks Jerry
I was bummed out when a business with no web page out ranked me in local search.
kenh
Yeah, it sucks when that happens.
Thankfully, just a bit of work on your end will reverse that trend and get your ranking higher.