New Features to Google Local are now confirmed

Back in May, Google started trying and testing new features to improve the usability of Google Local and to provide as much information to the user as possible. Yesterday, 27th June, Google confirmed these roll outs with Search Engine Land and people are starting to notice them!

What new features have been added?

Highlight Icons

Highlight icons appear in the local search listings showing what amenities the business you have just searched for have. These icons could represent many things including, good for kids, great beer selection, quick bites, healthy food options and many more. These icons are currently being rolled out so if you can’t see them yet, keep your eyes peeled! This is what you are looking for…

Price Labels

You will only come across these price labels when searching for accommodation including Hotels and B&Bs. These labels will appear on a local map personalised to your location so you can see prices before you visit their website or give them a call. When I searched ‘hotels’, I could see a map straight away with the new labels. 

You can also filter these results using the tags highlighted in blue above. It allows you to look for deals or accommodation within a certain radius. When you select ‘more hotels’ you are presented with the below.

These icons will save consumers time when searching for businesses in their local area. Straight away, the things typically looked for such as price is being shown without having to research this further. Also in the past week, we have seen Google add a ‘Posts’ functionality to all small businesses who have a Google My Business listing. This new function allows businesses to post news, events and to promote their top products/ services. These posts will show in both search and maps results.

What other icons do you think Google could add to improve their Google Local functionality further? Tell us in the comments below.

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