Google’s local search interface which organizes search results around specific locations. Rather than being dependent upon information indexed from a business’ website, Places uses information (including customer reviews) gathered from a variety of sources. In addition business owners can claim and customize their places listing.
Places rankings are different from ranking in regular Google SERPs. For example Chiropractor A may outrank Chiropractor B for the term “chiropractor” in Google Search but appear below Chiropractor B in Places search results. Since Places listings are limited to a geographical region, it is often easier to rank well in Places than in the traditional SERPs. Also, Places results – being local – are more targeted.
In addition to appearing in Google Map searches, Places results have also been integrated into regular SERPs in a variety of ways. See graphic below.
Google SERP for the generic term “chiropractor” showing Google Places information inserted into the page. Due to the nature of the search term, Google has assumed that the intent is local and shown results based upon the IP address of the Internet Service Provider (in this case Bend, Oregon)