Back in May we observed a big shift in the Google search results for a host of local service and retail queries. I documented some of the observations in my  local search expert (designed experiment on links)  column on Clickz  entitled “Was the Penguin Update in Fact the Honey Badger Update?”. In effect Google’s Penguin update [...]

Check out this month’s Local column from 15miles on Clickz: http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/2171149/finders-seekers-local-changed-game

Over the past five years, dramatic changes in how consumers select businesses in the local marketplace have evolved from a heavy reliance on directories and local media sources such as printed Yellow Pages to online mediums, such as search engines, local search sites, first on desktops and now increasingly on mobile devices including tablets. This [...]

Spring is in the air and Search will be the topic of the week at Search Engine Strategies (SES) at the NY Hilton this week, Tuesday through Thursday. Come see 15miles at the conference. We will be moderating a session on Tuesday entitled: Local Myth Busters – Local Optimization Facts Proven or Debunked In this [...]

I am often surprised when I talk to industry practitioners and engage in conversations on optimization schemas and the techniques they use to improve Google local listings and Place Pages, how very basic and similar the responses are. They all pretty much parrot out: Claim listing, Fill in all possible content, Measure improvement, Repeat step [...]

I was reminded this weekend, with the homecoming of my children and visits with friends both old and new, that it is time to shift our attention, ever so briefly, from the world of innovation to the world of tradition. To honor the season, 15miles will suspend blogging until the New Year, to allow us [...]

It’s that time of the year to look forward and plan for potential future innovations so we can be prepared to hone their advantages for our marketing plans. If 2012 is anything like 2011, we can certainly expect change in fast motion once again. So here is just a few  items keeping our eyes on [...]

One of the questions being asked by small and large brands today relates to the relevance and importance of the company website. Some wonder if with the rise in importance of social platforms like Facebook; should they just concentrate their efforts on their FB page. Or that since Google Place Pages now dominate the top [...]

By all early indications, Holiday Shopping is off to a great start with some forecasts showing a 7% boost in sales over last year.  Add to this the projected 15%in online sales and you have to ask yourself; Self, have I prepared a welcome mat for these customers or bricked-up the door? Local search on [...]

Recently I penned a column in Clickz about my experiences with the new Apple iPhone 4S; “Will Apple’s Siri Change the Voice of Local Search?”. Now that I have spent some time with the device or should I should say Siri, I offer the following observations to allow for optimization of you local business information: Business Listing inclusion [...]