As users, we are always looking for smarter search results, results that will give us exactly what we want, faster and easier than ever before. Google has taken one more step closer to giving users just that with the extension of their Google Now service that will be rolling out over the course of the next few day.

This tool shows users “helpful cards with information” on their mobile devices when they use the Google search application and log into their account. These “helpful cards” can include reminders about your next meeting (via your Google Calendar), information about the local weather, news alerts about current events, and messages regarding local events and places of interest. But today Google has rolled out a new search feature that is taking Google Now to a new level.

With this evolution of Google, users can look for specific personal information within the Search app, with questions such as, “what is the status of my flight?” and “what time are my dinner reservations?” Google will then scour their Gmail, Google Calendars, and Google+ accounts to discover flight or reservation confirmations, along with searching the web to ensure that there are no delays. These personalized search results along with helpful reminders throughout the day are designed to help your day run more smoothly.

What Does This Mean for Small Businesses?

While we can undoubtedly see the benefits of these updates for users, the impact on small business owners is a bit hazier. Private search results and personalized recommendations for local events and places of interest have the potential to be seen as more trustworthy than standard results. You now have the potential to appear not only in generic search results for your keywords but in these specialized searches as well.

How to Make This Update Work for Your Business

Email marketing and updating your company’s Google+ are more important than ever before. You are now not only competing for other businesses for your ranking via search engine optimization, you’re also battling emails and Google+ updates related to your customers’ search queries as well. Below are our tips to help you beat out the competition and rise to the top of these search results.

	Create a Google+ Page: If you have not already done so, you must create a Google+ page for your business. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including your address, phone number, hours, and a description optimized for your keywords.
	Update Your Page Often: Whether it’s posting your specials, revealing a new product, posting company news or sharing relevant articles, update your Google+ page often and include your keywords in your posts. This will help with both general organic searches and these more specific search results.
	Send Regular Email Promotions: Now that Google is pulling results from users’ Gmail inboxes, email marketing is more important than ever before. From email blasts regarding upcoming specials to confirmations for reservations or online orders, this new Google service provides additional touch points to reach your customers and provide excellent service.