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Sadly, we can't make Google display rich snippets. All you can do is follow the best practices of implementing rich snippets, and leave it to Google to algorithmically determine they should appear.
For the search phrase "phraseexpander", download.cnet.com is already displaying rich snippets. Therefore, the presence of snippets in the SERPS already may impact whether or not they are shown for your domain too.
In my experience, no.
Whitespark says on their FAQ page, "We don't currently throttle our citation building because we know how Google merges data with their Places index in chunks. We have tested building hundreds of citations in one day vs spreading them out over time and have not found a difference. We don't believe citation velocity is currently something that Google is considering."
It may be working for them now, but using the same recycled content is not a good long term strategy. Plus, if the content stinks it doesn't really matter how well they rank because people with hit the back button (and google keeps score of that).
Focus on creating content that's going to make users have a positive experience on the site. Use case studies, photos, testimonials, videos, city/town resources that are relevant.
If the site was about construction - link to official city/town page with relevant permit info, ect - things like that.
It really depends on the industry and location.
Check out these two resources. I know some of them don't accept reviews, but this should give you some info.
http://getlisted.org/resources/local-citations-by-category.aspx
I recommend using only one domain. You'll have much less setup, maintenance, ongoing SEO work with 1 site compared to 3.
I would just use different sections for the different kinds of paints/markets.
Google does not penalize websites for simply having their business listed.
Yext is quite expensive. I have used UBL in the past, and it works well, but the best way is to claim all of your listings manually.
I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but if you're looking for a referral for someone to build your business listings, PM me.
This might only work if the sites offer something of value. I know that's kind of a vague answer, but a lot of people used this strategy with a set-it-and-forget-it plan.
For the social meda sites, if you're not going to be active then don't bother. Try offering coupons, trials, user generated content, top x# lists, ect.
On the Rankings report page, export your full rankings report to CSV. Image attached.
Here's a great resource for finding the right category: http://blumenthals.com/google-lbc-categories/search.php?q=&val=hl-gl%3Den-US%26ottype%3D1
According to Google Places quality guidelines, "Categories should depict what your business is (e.g. Hospital), not what it does (e.g. Vaccinations) or products it sells (e.g. Sony products or printer paper). This information can be added in your description."
Try the seomoz recommended list: http://www.seomoz.org/article/recommended
Using elance and freelancer to find the right person for SEO might be difficult. I'm sure there are good contractors on there, and some just running a (link) farm - literally.
I opened a support ticket for this last week and they replied saying that it's a known issue and that the next time your campaign updates it will be functional again.
It's certainly possible, but not the norm.
Check out this post from earlier today: http://www.seomoz.org/ugc/is-your-website-being-replaced-with-google-plus-local-listings
Provided that you do everything James is suggesting, you shouldn't have an issue.
I've noticed small dips in rankings immediately after a redesign, only to regain their original positions within 2 weeks (or so).
I agree with Ian - Studiopress / Genesis themes are excellent. I also use U-Design quite a bit: http://themeforest.net/item/udesign-wordpress-theme/full_screen_preview/253220
Yoast is the only SEO Plugin I'd recommend.
My rule is to only no-follow sponsored links.
Google is going to recognize a SEOed site that has tried to sculpt their link juice by excessively no following. Sites that naturally rank well (and produce content people want) don't utilize this technique.
I would create a separate page for each city instead of one page with content covering many cities.
Linking out is a good thing. Ask yourself, "Will these links improve the users experience"? If yes, then include them.
Yes, it works with U-Design. I've had no issues with it and recommend both.
I know you said "at least 500 words", but make sure all of your articles don't have the same (or very close) word count.
This is a pattern that's likely pretty obvious to Google as there's a countless number of "SEO companies" selling 500 word articles.
In other words, a blog naturally is going to have posts with varying word counts.
It can take a while before OSE shows the link, if at all.
If it's not indexed by Google yet, I'd try to find a way to share it on G+.. I don't reccomend pimping URLs just to get indexed, but if you can do it conguently with your audience then it may help get the URL indexed faster.
One place to start would be to run an analysis of your competitors, see where they've earned links from & how. Then see where you can add value by creating content and linkable assets.
