Recently you might have noticed that some of the sponsored results on Google searches feature a small strip showing Yelp reviews on sponsored link ads. This appears to be a new feature that Google is testing out on some AdWords ads.

Users are given the option of clicking the regular ad that directs the user to the advertisers web site or they can click the Yelp link that directs the user to the advertisers Yelp page. If the user clicks the Yelp link the advertisers is not charged for the click-through.

This is most likely a Google experiment that is close related to Googles current desire to acquire Yelp. Google has been pushing to develop their own local map feature with stronger ratings and information that rivals Yelps network. We will see if Google continues this practice and makes it a permanent feature in returned sponsored links.

Users currently don’t have any control over when or how their ad shows Yelp reviews or if they even show reviews at all. Google chooses at their own desecration to integrate Yelp reviews with ads on a semi random basis. From my observation Google will only show Yelp reviews in your advertisement if your business has a critical mass of 5 star ratings or ratings in general.

We will see if Google continues the practice encouraging more Google advertisers to build their Yelp reviews so that their Google Ads are more attractive. This will be an interesting new addition to advertising optimization on the Google ad network.

Google Search Showing Yelp Reviews in Sponsored Results

Tags: Google, Sponsored Links, Yelp.

Today I was returning home from a client meeting when my girlfriend called and asked if I could pick her up some frozen yogurt on my way home. She had just had her wisdom teeth pulled so she was craving a cold and soft treat.

Not being familiar with the immediate area I decide to pull out my new Google Android phone and utilize the built in map search feature. I found the closest frozen yogurt shop on the map and traveled over there.

Later I found out that there was a Yogurtland shop 2 miles from my location I had driven 7 miles out of my way to visit the yogurt shop I found using the Google local map search. Yogurtlands failure to list their location on Google resulted in them missing out my sale.

The point is that in our search based society empowered by the blossoming of mobile technology it has become paramount to establish your business on local search maps. Small businesses cannot afford to forgo customers who are in their direct proximity as in the example of the yogurt shop.

Currently the Google Map reigns supreme and the listing process is relatively painless.

Go online today and see if your business is listed on the local search map in the appropriate category. If your business is present use the claim your listing feature to verify the listing and add additional information. If your business is not present follow the steps below to get your business location online.

- 1. Visit google.com/lbc Create a Google account if you don’t have one, or sign in with your account.

- 2. Enter information about your business, including address & phone, hours & more: You can even add photos of your business and coupons.

- 3. Verify that you own or run the business: Follow the instructions and enter a PIN code when you receive it, to complete the process.

- 4. Now you’re all set. You can log in daily to see how your business listing performs on Google, including how many times people found it, and what actions they took.

To get started today, visit the Local Business Center.

Tags: Google Maps, Local Business Listing.