• This thread is just the tip of the iceberg.The people ahead of the curve aren't Googling for answers — they're already in here, having the conversations you haven't found yet. DealerRefresh is free.Get the full picture →

Geo targeting for Google Maps and GPS-applications

Brian,
What you stumbled upon on Best Buy is a microformat (subset of "Rich Snippets"). These are standardized ways of listing certain objects in HTML. Google actually has a Rich Snippet validator to confirm they are parsing these correctly. We have these elements on a number of our sites, but until recently the spec really only supported people and reviews. Google now supports businesses and events as well. Although there is no definitive evidence that the geo aspect of the business microformat can change your business' location on Google maps, microformats themselves have many benefits. If you would like to discuss the broader ramifications of these let me know.
 
Alex, you are absolutely correct. Map listings are partially driven by compiled information from authoritative directory services. If your information isn't synced, you will have problems. Not only that, it helps with your overall SEO. Another ingredient in the SEO secret sauce.
 
Richard you pretty much hit the nail on the head. If your listings are congruent across multiple mediums it appears that google will recognize your listing as being the most relevant.

In addition to that you need to

Complete your profile - images, videos, hours, payment methods, etc...
Build some links with good anchor text to your map listings. Including passing some link equity from your main website back to your map listing.

Make sure when you are syncing up there is a link to your website in your example.
 
Just curious... how do you guys test out results in areas out side of where you are doing SEO testing from. For instance, I am unable to get accurate local or organic results for my wife's massage business located in West Hartford, CT 06117, when I am testing from our home office in West Hartford, CT 06119. Is there any way to view accurate results for areas outside of your own? How do professional SEO companies test outside of their area with geo-targeting playing such a major role in seo these days?

Thanks for any help.

Brian