Google local listings

[vladraush99]

im working with  gutter installation company, and we're ranking for all the top keywords in google.

the only thing that we're not ranking for is for the map results, for the keyword "gutter ma" since we're located in Springfield ma, i thing Google considers certain areas from Boston, because its more center of Massachusetts,

What can i do to improve my rankings in maps for this keyword, because i know it wont work with PO box since  i need to confirm an address?

Thanks

[IainReloadMedia]

Hi Vladislav,

As MA is quite a wide area you have got a chance of getting a local listing in Springfield. Assuming you have verified you Google + Local page, it's all about getting as many valuable citations for your clients Business Name, Address & Phone number.

There is more details in this old post by Rand, but still all very relevant...

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/one-dead-simple-tactic-for-better-rankings-in-google-local

Hope that helps and good luck.

Iain - Reload Media

[MiriamEllis]

Hello Vladislav,

Interesting question. Now, 'gutter ma' isn't exactly what I would call a local search. Local searches are typically city-based. So, for you, if you're located in Springfield, true local searches would be for things like 'gutter cleaning springfield' or searches without the 'springfield' but being performed on Springfield-based devices.

So, when we're looking at the more random results for a statewide search something like 'gutter ma' (which probably is not how most people would be searching for your services) we see a variety of locales represented. Setting my location to Springfield, this is what I see:

1. Abbott Window & Gutter Cleaning, Inc.

   <cite>www.abbottwindowandguttercleaning.com/</cite> 1 Google review

2. 2 Kane Industrial Drive

   Hudson, MA
   (978) 562-1744 |

   Minuteman Leafguard

   <cite>www.leafguardgutters.com/boston-ma/hudson</cite> Google+ page

3. 50 Boston Road

   Lowell, MA
   (978) 256-0092 |

   Insul-Kings

   <cite>www.insulkings.com/</cite> 1 Google review

4. 66 Farm Road

   Marlborough, MA
   (508) 481-0666 |

   Marlboro Gutter Cleaning

   <cite>www.cleangutter.com/</cite> Google+ page

5. 	Plymouth, MA
   (800) 994-3000

   Gutter Pro

   <cite>www.gutterpro.com/</cite> 2 Google reviews

6. 60 Medford Street

   Somerville, MA
   (617) 868-2673 |

   Carroll Seamless Gutters Inc

   <cite>www.carrollsons.com/</cite> Google+ page

7. 16 Jacques Street

   Worcester, MA
   (508) 488-9999 |

   Custom Insulation Company, Inc.

   <cite>www.custominsulation.com/</cite> 2 Google reviews - Google+ pageMore results near Massachusetts »

As you can see from this search, Google is selecting businesses from many different cities within the state. What their algo is for doing so on a broad search like this, I do not know. But, at least on my search, it doesn't appear that they are simply putting up listing from the state capitol (Boston). The selection looks quite random to me and I have no idea how one could influence it because of the apparent randomness.

Also, I would truly question the value of ranking in a local pack like this for a state based, unspecific search. Presumably, people are looking for your client for 'gutter cleaning' not just 'gutter' and if they are leaving off any geo terms at all, Google will show them local results based on their location, and if they are adding a city term, it would presumably be their own, in which case, your client has the best chances of ranking in the local pack of results for their city of location.

Hope this helps!