Local Search Optimization for Medical Centers

If you haven't already, you will soon realize that Google Places pages are no more. Last week, Google announced its exciting merger between Google Places and Google+, resulting in what they are calling "Google+ Local" or "Local+". This integration is one step in Google's effort to creating an entirely social experience for the consumer- a goal they have been working towards for quite a while now. A more versatile local search and social media channel (think Facebook meets Yelp), Local+ has generated a lot of buzz in the last week since its introduction. Let's explore what's new in Google+ Local and see how this affects the business owner.

Attempting to fully grasp the process by which search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing provide results to search inquiries is like opening up a hefty can of mangled worms- or in this case "spiders". For most, learning how the magic machine (that we call Google) can find you the dimensions of the sun in half a second is confusing to say the least. However, as search engine optimization has become a key component in new age marketing, it is important to understand how these major search engines operate. Here are answers to a few common questions about where your search results come from:

What is it?

Buzz is an understatement for the talk that's been going on about Pinterest lately, and a lot of business owners are asking just what it is. Many of us are unable to keep up with all of these social media sites that seem to be popping up like dandelions on the front lawn. But, for small business owners, Pinterest is one that you should definitely get to know. Pinterest, a virtual pinboard and photo-sharing website, allows users to "pin" and organize anything they find interesting on the Internet. Common uses of the site include developing home decorating ideas, wedding plans, fashion ideas, or browsing tech trends. Essentially, the site can be used to explore anything.

If you are a small business owner and you are apprehensive to Yelp, you're not alone. To many, the internet itself is a beast that small business owners just don't want to face, ready to swallow them whole much like Amazon.com has made many small bookstores need to rethink their traditional business model and marketing plan. Don't worry though, Yelp is a happy smiling Monster like Mike from Monsters Inc. Started in 2004, Yelp is an urban online directory that allows visitors to find, talk about, and then review local businesses from restaurants to hair salons. The scary part?

Launched in May of 2003, LinkedIn operates the largest professional online network, occupying over 200 countries with more than 150 million members around the world. Growing at a rate of two members every second, the network is constantly expanding, hosting over two million company pages and millions of small business pages. Examining LinkedIn's exponential growth among the professional world, you'd be remiss to ignore your small business page. Here are a couple of tips to jumpstart your LinkedIn presence: