Google Updates the Local Pack - Like it?

[JessicaRuth]

Now instead of showing 7 local results, Google shows 3.

What does this mean for number 4 and so on....well less calls and sales says this article.

Any tips or best practices you're using to get into and STAY in the top 3 spots?

 

[amirxl]

For those who depend on the local map pack, especially since local seems to be converting more than organic, *&%@ this.

 

[Eric Miltsch]

Now instead of showing 7 local results, Google shows 3.

What does this mean for number 4 and so on....well less calls and sales says this article.

What are you going to do to get into the top 3 spots?

This should force even more dealers to finally pay closer attention to the consistency and quality of their local citations.

NAP records (Name, Address & Phone #'s) need to be managed - this was a newer ranking factor introduced in the Pigeon update last Summer. Unfortunately, it seemed as if it was given enough emphasis.

I covered several local optimization items in a webinar last year, the local info starts on page 17 of the deck:



Who knows if this new grouping will last or if it's just a temporary move by Google, either way, it should act as a motivator to get your local presence as tight as possible.

 

[craigh]

I ran some experiments with this for both automotive and non-automotive clients.
After adding proper location data across all sources I could find (a list I found on these forums) we saw a substantial bump in location.
I still have a ways to go and I'm tracking it extensively, but it does appear that more location data across the web can absolutely help with the map results.

The other thing I noticed quite a bit is that they change substantially for each keyword.
ie: ford dealer vs ford dealership
The results on the map for many of the searches I did would have 2 of the 3 results be entirely different with the one word change.

 

[amirxl]

I ran some experiments with this for both automotive and non-automotive clients.
After adding proper location data across all sources I could find (a list I found on these forums) we saw a substantial bump in location.
I still have a ways to go and I'm tracking it extensively, but it does appear that more location data across the web can absolutely help with the map results.

The other thing I noticed quite a bit is that they change substantially for each keyword.
ie: ford dealer vs ford dealership
The results on the map for many of the searches I did would have 2 of the 3 results be entirely different with the one word change.

Do you mean adding location variations to the search query or set the search location of Google?
We get a ton of different SERP fluctuations for "used cars for sale" "used car dealer" "used car dealerships" and so forth.

 

[craigh]

Do you mean adding location variations to the search query or set the search location of Google?
We get a ton of different SERP fluctuations for "used cars for sale" "used car dealer" "used car dealerships" and so forth.

Changing the search query. For example, I have a client with the following, assuming my location is set to their city.

CITY Ford - ranks #1
CITY Ford Dealer - ranks #4
Ford Dealer - ranks #2
Ford Dealership - ranks #3
Ford Store - ranks #1
etc

I'm also seeing these rankings change on a daily/weekly basis. I'm wondering if they are intentionally cycling through them or not.