Oh the Irony...

I ran into this issue while creating a Google Local listing with my Google Chrome browser.



I had to laugh...

Google Local Now offering Reports and Instant Feedback

2 things.

1. Google Local is now offering Analytics on their local listings. Now we know what keywords are generating clicks, we know if they are clicking on the map, or going straight through to the web site. Pretty cool. The bonus of these reports is they also give you some insight into what keywords (you are optimized for) users are searching for and what the search volume is in a very localized way.
   
   
2. Updates to listings are instantaneous, rather than waiting a day to see if your edits were effective. Very cool!

Google Local. Keeping you honest, and screwing up your listing.

Google Local has revamped the rules for their local listings. What was once an acceptable practice, ( having keywords in the title tag for instance) is now likely to prevent your listing from being shown.

Some of the new requirements for Google Local are:

The actual business name must be in the title - no more keyword stuffing!

The description and custom attribute fields should include additional information about your listing. This type of content should NOT appear in your business’s title, address or category fields.

Only one Google Local listing per physical business location. you should not create a listing for every town you service.

Do not attempt to manipulate search results by adding extraneous keywords into the title field, and do not include phone numbers or URLs in the title along with your proper business name.

Use only categories that directly describe your business or practice.

Provide the one URL that belongs to your business both in terms of the landing page and the displayed URL.

Use the description and custom attribute fields to include additional information about your listing. This type of content should never appear in your business’s title, address or category fields.