Google Local Business Gives You New Metrics

Last month we wrote about Google allowing you to create a personal profile.  We mentioned then that the option was only available for individuals.  Google keeps businesses and other organizations separate in their local business center.  It was a little disappointing, but Google is showing businesses some love this month.

Did they upgrade the display that’s shown when someone finds you through local search?  Well, no.  Sadly the display is still tragic.  What they have upgraded, though, is the information that you see as the owner of the business.

Look at how often you’re showing up in local search results and what kind of action people are taking once they find you (go to your website, click more info, or get driving directions).

Check what terms people are searching for when they find you in the local results.

By far the coolest feature for my money is the map showing how many people in various zip codes are asking for driving directions to your location.  Granted it’s still a very soft metric, but it does give you a ball park idea of what kind of penetration you’re achieving in geographic markets.

Right now you can only see the top 10 search terms and zip codes.  Hopefully Google will expand the reporting further in the near future.  This is a great start, though.