Matt McGee spotted that Google Maps' Local Business Center added a new feature for businesses to define what services locations and areas they cater to. Before, the only way to show up in a certain location was to have a physical business address at the location, now, it seems Google is expanding that.
If you go to a business profile in your google.com/lbc you can edit or add a new business. There you will see a new section named "Service Areas and Location Settings." You are asked "Does your business provide services, such as delivery or home repair, to locations in a certain area?" You can select either:
- No, all customers come to the business location
- Yes, this business serves customers at their locations
If you select Yes, it expands to give you a way to define what locations you service:
Google told Matt this is a "limited test" but most business owners will see this option.
Forum discussion at Sphinn and DigitalPoint Forums.
