What is Google Local?
Google Local is the system behind the search results that appear on Google Maps. I don’t know about you, but when I am looking for a local business, be it pizza or a plumber, the first thing I do is go to Google Maps and search for the business and my zip code. I then get a listing of companies within my area, and I can visually see where they are.
How can Google Local benefit me?
Think of it as a visual phonebook. You can control your listing and tailor it to your liking. Display a description of your biz, pictures, link to your website, etc.
Google Local also lets you post coupons. We all know how great a marketing tool coupons are.
Dashboard
Google recently released a dashboard page that will show you how many times your listing is shown and clicked on, what keywords yielded your listing as a result, and where driving directions to your business originated from.