If you've recently searched for a generic product or service on Google, you may have noticed that your search results appear together with a map pinging nearby locations of retailers or service providers that supply that good/service, listing contact info and directions in some cases. Some people may find it eerie that Google knows where you currently are, but really it's just been speculated that Google tracks the IP address of the computer you're searching on.

It used to be that Google returned millions of results for the most obscure searches but results for a local search were on a completely different scale. In fact, sites like www.justdial.com and www.asklaila.com were founded to meet the need of people searching for local goods/services. Now you can do all of your searching in one convenient location, just as Google intended.

How Will Google Local Search Affect Consumers?

With no need to enter in long strings of search terms or change your advanced settings, Google makes it easy for everyone to locate pizza delivery, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. How will searchers react to the new default search feature? Will searchers be upset at the loss of control they're encountering with search or welcome the new feature with open arms as it eases their local search pains? We'll have to wait and see.

How Will Google Local Search Affect Advertisers?

But lets' look at it from an advertiser standpoint. If you're a local business, you want to appear in this top ten list. In order to even qualify you need to make sure that your business address is listed and crawlable on the homepage of your website. It also couldn't hurt to submit to local business directories. This new feature will open up a whole new wave of advertiser needs to appeal and appear to their local constituents with local-targeted content and link-building strategies.