Google Places for Business Has New Look

Google Places for business – a free local platform from Google, has now been updated as they move their local search further into the Google+ family.  Essentially the evolution of Google+ Local has taken another important step forward.  I suspect that this is a part of what will eventually bring the Google Places dashboard into the Google+ platform.  According to Google, 97% of consumers search for local businesses online so this resource will affect many searchers and business owners alike.

I anxiously await the next step into Google+ Local for business owners.  There are certainly issues, as the system has its share of bugs, but the advantages for ranking with the newer features are exciting.  What comes next?