Local search is here and is not letting up. Even Facebook is leaving clues that they are about to get involved in local search in a major way.

Fact: Studies have shown that 25% of searched keyword phrases have local intent? (a keyword phrase is a group of words typed into a search engine search bar. i.e. Plumbers, Denver)

Fact: 80% of all purchases are made within a 15 mile radius of where people live.

Fact: 97% of all US consumers use the internet to shop locally. Stat Provided by the prestigious BIS/Kelsey Group

It is important that you get your business listed on the top 4 giants - Google Places, Yahoo Local, Bing Local and Yelp.

Here are 10 tips to help improve your local listings

Until now, business owners who had their business listed on Google Places (also known as Google Maps), could not respond to customer reviews. Now they can.

In order to leave a response, owners first need to verify their identity by claiming their listing. Once you have claimed your listing, follow these instructions.

As a verified Google Places business owner, you can publicly respond to maps.google.com reviews on the Place Page. First, we’d recommend reading our handy tips on how to respond to reviewers. Then take a stab at responding, by following the instructions below.