Do you need to find the location of the nearest ATM to get some cash? Then find the nearest fast food restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat? Just use your mobile phone and do a quick local search on Google.

If you are searching on your iPhone or Android phone, it is now even easier. This week (Jan 7), Google unveiled a feature called “Near me now.” Clicking on that link will return a list of local points of interest, including restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, as well as banks and ATMs. This is the latest way Google is making local search more convenient.

On other phones you need to go to Google and then select “Local” to search for businesses close to you. This makes it fast and easy to locate local businesses close to where your immediate location.

These Google local results are a combination of Google Local Business Center results that are supplemented with phone directory results from both white and yellow page business listings.

The best results occur for businesses that take the time to complete a free directory listing on Google. It is most best is to have your listing claimed, updated, reviewed. Many smaller local businesses are using this directory listing as a substitute for a business website. These free listings give even the smallest businesses to have an online presence at no cost.

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3. Where to Submit Your Site for Local Search
4. Local Search for National Companies
5. Google 7-Pack Optimization Tips