WebProNews

Searchers see more than just the ordered links that have been the hallmark of search for years. Maps, images, and videos populate the search result pages with increasing regularity.

For those who have worked hard to achieve the top of the ten blue links, only to see news results or some other type of content push them off the top organic listing, universal search may seem like a bad idea. Google said on the Webmaster Central blog there are ways to take advantage of the new wave in search.

Google talked about answers for local businesses looking for better exposure in universal search to potential customers:

Of the various search verticals, local search was the one we heard the most questions about. Here are a few tips to help business owners get the most out of local search:

• Add your business to our Local Business Center
• Make sure your business is listed under the appropriate categories
• Make sure your business name, address and phone number appear on your website, and that they're accessible to search engines
• Add your business hours, images, coupons, or additional information to help searchers determine whether your business meets their needs

Google also suggested ways to improve image, video, and personalized search results. The growing prevalence of universal search in the various engines makes the topic a must-know for webmasters.