New visual search results - what is this and how do we optimize for it?

[EricOliver]

Hi all,

This morning as I am doing some keyword research for a new client, I typed in the phrase and Google returned both the listings as well as a vertical photo bar.  I've never seen this before.  Is this new?  Is it common and I've just missed it?

I presume this means we need to really have our photo alt tags 'ducks in a row' but I'm also wondering if this points to an increased importance on visual content?

Image attached.

Thanks,

YINd14d

[DarinPirkey]

Those images aren't from image search just so you know.  Those are are from Google+ Local pages

http://blog.autorevo.com/2013/06/new-local-search-layout/

Part of you question hinted to alt tags for images.  I remember a post from tier10 that showed how to use metadata in photoshop to help too.

http://tier10lab.com/2012/07/20/how-to-optimize-images-google-plus/

Hope this helps.

Darin.

@vzpro

[marymerritt]

I think you might be talking about the new presentation for local results? I've attached a screenshot.

If the grey bar at the top is what you are referencing, this is a new presentation for local listings results. Mike Blumenthal has talked a bit about it, and how rankings will work, on his blog: http://blumenthals.com/blog/

Or, maybe you're talking about something else entirely :)? A screenshot would be great.

EDIT: I didn't notice your attachment the first time - yes, that's the local listings results presentation.

E9L9wc2.jpg