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While searching for local businesses, Google Maps has always been adequate in displaying locations on a map along with the relevant addresses, contact phone numbers, and mailing addresses. But what if we wanted more information?

With the success of universal search (a.k.a. blended or federated search) in normal organic search results, Google Maps will also be incorporating additional data into Google Maps search results. Until now, this extra information required a few clicks and further digging.

Below are the results when querying "hotels in toronto." Notice that the map area on the right is the same as usual, but the sidebar on the left shows more data than before. Each listing also includes a picture, a truncated review, and a quick link for writing your own review.

(Click the image to enlarge).

Granted, this additional info could have been found somewhere else on Google, but by bringing the information from another database into Google Maps, they have effectively brought universal search features to Google Maps. And in doing so, they’ve improved the user experience as well.

Be sure to add pictures, videos, and hours of operation to your Local Business Center listing, or add your business to the Local Business Center if you haven’t already. There’s also the ability to add what category your business falls under, as well as "custom attributes" such as service area, check out times, etc.

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