I have a site that ranks #1 (organically) for the search "charlote tile contractor", yet in the Google local, which is displayed above the first organic ranking, my tile company is listed on 24th page?

Any white hat methods of optimizing this?

Good question even i tried to find this answer manytimes but i hope its google policy to promote google map.

No one can answer perfectly for your question b'coz no one knows google algorithms.

In Google Webmaster Tools you can set your "Geographic Target", but if your websites domain name ends with some country specific ending, Google will set your Geographic target to that country automatically.

You can see an official article about "Geotargeting" here: http://www.google.com/support/webmas...er=62399&hl=en

Human, there are many ways to remedy this issue.

One is by having your city or state in your title element.

Another is by making sure your address in on another page aside from your contact us.

A good example would be <title>Mars Refurbished Starships For Sale</title>

A-Martian

I don't think people here understood your question. Local results have nothing to do with SERPS. You don't need to change your title or anything, you don't even need a website for it, but it's good to have one. Google publish those results based on your listed category and zipcode. Some people don't even have a website, but they are #1 and #2 in local results.

Here is a tip(little trick) for you, you may have more than one location(you may have different business names too). You may do it through your local business center, where it says "Add new business", got it? Usually google confirms first 2 listings via phone call, then they send you a post card. If you don't follow me, then PM me and I'll tell you what to do.