Google Local

[colwwcat]

I just found out about the Google Local service.
It's located at http://local.google.com/ and I find it very useful!

[Snake]

Here is some faq about Google Local

1. What is Google Local?

Google Local helps you focus your search on a specific geographic location. Sometimes you want to search the whole worldwide web, and sometimes you just want to find an auto parts store within walking distance.

2. How does it work? Is it like Yellow Pages sites I've seen elsewhere?

Google Local takes a new approach to helping users find geographic information online. We analyze the content in our index of more than 4 billion web pages and combine that information with Yellow Pages data to provide the most comprehensive local search experience available.

3. What is "Save Location"?

If you often perform local searches centered on the same place (e.g., your home or office), you can save time by checking the “Save Location” box at http://local.google.com. When you select this option, the information that you type into the location text box is saved and automatically appears in the text box when you search from the Google Local main page.

4. I moved. How do I get rid of my saved location?

If you used the "Save Location" feature and no longer want to have your location filled in automatically, remove the saved location by clicking here. You can always save a new location by selecting the checkbox again and entering a new location.

5. Does this work everywhere? Can I find a noodle shop in Nagoya?

Google Local only searches for locations in the United States right now. However, we plan on expanding this service to other parts of the world once we work out the kinks in this beta product. In the meantime, we recommend Miyoshiya for noodles in Naka-ku, near downtown.

6. My local business is listed, but the information is woefully incorrect. Who will right this wrong?

Google Local gathers information from a variety of sources including web sites and Yellow Pages directories. To update your business listings in the Yellow Pages, send an email to [email]local-listings@google.com[/url] and we'll forward the information to the directory sources we use. For incorrect information on web pages, please review Google Information for Webmasters.

7. I'm here, but I'm not there. How do I get my business listed?

To add your business listing to the Yellow Pages, send an email to [email]local-listings@google.com[/url]. For information about adding your web site to Google, please review Google Information for Webmasters.

Google does not accept payment for inclusion of sites in our index, nor for improving the rank of sites in our results. We do offer locally targeted ads through our AdWords program on the main Google search results page. These ads are clearly labeled as sponsored links.

8. Why is a specialty store 5 miles away ranked higher than the Kwiki-Mart right next door?

As with all other Google search results, Google Local ranks listings based on their relevance to the search terms you've entered and not solely by geographic distance. Sometimes a business that is farther away is more likely to have what you're looking for than a business that's closer.

9. I looked for slushie suppliers in Springfield and you gave me Capital City. Who needs to know?

Please let us know if you notice any problems with the service by emailing [email]local-help@google.com[/url]. Your feedback will help us continue to improve this service. It's got a way to go and your ideas, comments, and suggestions will help us get there faster.

10. Is Google's SafeSearch filtering supported on Google Local?

At this stage of our beta product, Google Local does not fully support SafeSearch filtering. We are committed to adding new features to Google Local, and we will support SafeSearch filtering in the coming months.

Snake