As part of this restructuring, Google moved the map to the right side of the search results. Incidentally, Combs and ionadas recently conducted a heat map study on local results and found that the map itself draws very little attention. It doesn’t receive clicks or even looks from users. Combs believes Google knows people aren’t looking at it and moved it to the right where the ads are usually located.

He also thinks that local is exploding and will continue to do so. Interestingly enough, Bruce Clay recently told WebProNews that Google would become a local search engine in 2 years.

Combs said the cynical part of him says that these changes Google has made are about driving more clicks on paid listings. He also adds that it will be harder for companies that do not have a local presence to come up in the search results.

“I think Google, to a certain extent, is at a disadvantage in that space because they don’t have the armies of people to help out small businesses,” said Combs.

In addition, companies such as Citysearch and Yellow Pages will have a harder time driving traffic. Combs goes on to say that the real question will be if someone will be able to monetize this.

Although there are a lot of unanswered questions about local, the one thing that is certain is that local is not going away.

What are your thoughts regarding these latest changes Google has made to local?

Did you honestly think that maps could ever be used in your marketing efforts? They definitely can. Sage says businesses have huge opportunities with maps if they would just use them. Businesses can use Local Business Listings through the search engines and when a user searches for local information, he or she will find your business.

The more information you can provide in your listing the better. Sage recommends including pictures, videos, and Web references since all these factors will build a bigger Web presence for your business.

Both small and large businesses should utilize this tool. It’s free and easy to use. Think about the opportunities when visitors come to town and search for restaurants, hotels, movie cinemas, doctors, and the list goes on and on. All these visitors could turn out to be your paying customers by you simply implementing this tool.

As Sage says, take advantage of these opportunities and make more money!