Google Gives Mobile Users Location-Based Suggestions

We’ve discussed a number of things Google’s been up to recently that could have a direct impact on local businesses. Now the company has launched location-based search results for iPhone and Android mobile device users.

What this means is that people using these devices performing a regular search (not Google Maps) may be directed to geographic location-specific results for any number of queries. Google itself uses the example of museums.

"For example, when users in the Boston metro area begin typing ‘Muse’, suggestions such as ‘museum of science boston’ and ‘museum of fine arts boston’ are provided because people near Boston frequently look for these very popular museums," Google says. "On the other hand, users in San Francisco who begin their query with ‘Muse’ will see suggestions for museums in the San Francisco area. By using the device’s current or most recent location, Google is able to offer even better, more useful suggestions than ever before."

The feature is probably not likely to suggest your Chicago-based pizza business just because someone in Chicago searches for pizza, but if enough people search for your pizza business, it could conceivably end up that way. It’s not really something you can directly control, but it’s good to know.

You know how some businesses have ads that simply tell people to Google them? Perhaps there is some more incentive than meets the eye in that strategy. It’s something to think about.