In their most recent round of improvements to their Google Maps product, Google has announced they will be displaying images in their SERPs alongside the maps results for some geographic-based searches. This move has been nailed by Google as an update that benefits the user in that there are now images associated with the location to paint a clearer picture of its appearance.

Google Local Searches wants more small businesses to claim their listing profiles on Google Local. This is basically the listings that pop up in Google Maps and local search results. To attract small businesses, Google Local Searches provides local businesses in the real world with physical addresses a free dashboard similar to what Websites get for free with Google Analytics.