Google introduced the new Place Search feature, a new kind of local search result that organizes search results information around local places. Search results are clustered around specific locations allowing you to easily make comparisons and decide where to go.
Here is a sample Place Search result:
Notice how local results are marked with red pins, and each one is a unique location with relevant information and links from across the web. You get location reviews from notable directories like yelp, citysearch.com, tripadvisor.com and other sites. Information is now grouped conveniently to make it easier to digest and compare.
Google will use Place Search results when they predict you are looking for local information. There is a new link for “Places” in the left-hand panel of the search results page so you can quickly change to these results whenever you want. For example, when I’m in New York, I love to go out and play foosball, but a search for [foosball] doesn’t automatically show me Place Search results. If I click “Places” I get the new view:
For Local Businesses, this makes it more important to have your business listing information correct, verified, and claimed. Places information is an introduction to your business for consumers ready to find you.
In the new layout you’ll find more relevant links on a single results page—often 30 or 40. Instead of doing eight or 10 searches, often you’ll get to the sites you’re looking for with just one search.
Google Place Search will be fully operational worldwide in just a few days. For a preview of the new results page, you can use this preview link .
