Google Local Business Center Now Google Places

Google have decided to change the name of their Local Business Centre to Google Places. The previous name was more business orientated and Google have decided to open it up more to a wider audience.

Why Google Places?

Over on Search Engine Land, they believe the reason is as follows:

Google has decided to change the name of what was called the “Google Local Business Center” to “Google Places.” The rationale, according to the press release, is to better connect Google Place Pages with the place where local business information is claimed, entered and enhanced:

Why? Millions of people use Google every day to find places in the real world, and we want to better connect Place Pages – the way that businesses are being found today – with the tool that enables business owners to manage their presence on Google.

What do Google say about Places?

The importance of Local Search to small businesses

A recent study by Google showed that over 20% of searches now involve a local phrase, such as Web Design Dorset. It’s also one can be one of the quickest ways to get listed in Google. You can be listed within minutes, right at the top of the left hand-side of the search results! It also means that visitors arriving at your site are more likely to be local and targeted – this increases conversion rates and can enable you to build up the local side of your business.