Today we were hosting our SEO Training Workshop in Las Vegas and one of the main topics of discussion was Google’s roll out of their new Google Places features.

According to an article posted today on by the Wall Street Journal, Google’s goal is to get more advertising dollars from local businesses, but our response is this move then discounting the paid advertisers using traditional Adwords advertising?

If you notice in this screen shot the Google map now appears in the top right hand column where the traditional PPC advertising is placed. As you scroll down the map remains in a fixed position, covering over the paid advertisers.

Also included in this new makeover for Google Places is additional  information about local businesses in their local area that may includes a photo, review ratings and a snippet of a review from sites such as CitySearch.com or Yelp.com.

Personally I’m excited about these new features as it gives a further incentive for local business owners to utilize the power of the Internet to promote their brick and mortar establishments, thus opening new opportunities for those of us in qualified in providing local search SEO services.

More from SEO Training SW

• Google Local Search Workshop
• Google Shuts Down Google Related July 25th!
• How to Post Google Places Reviews

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