New Google Local Search Results – where did my map listing go?

If you are reading our recent post about map listings disappearing from the Google’s latest local search results it is likely that your map listing (business address) was positioned 4-7 and now simply gone.

First let’s understand what happened.

1. Before Google local search was showing 7 business listings in SERP results, now it is limited to 3 only with an option to expand the results link. Therefore if you used to be on position greater than 3 you are not showing anymore which is bad news for SEO companies as well as business listing owners making the game even more competitive now.

2. With more sponsored ads above the fold and less organic listings, businesses are expected now to increase their spend on local search in order to get themselves included in search results.

3. You may notice the map size increasing at the expense of listings.

4.  Address and telephone numbers now missing from most search results unless clicked on and no photos.

5. There is now a new format of local ads being tested by Google currently showing for home services like the plumber.

In conclusion, if your local business is depending on organic traffic from search it is perfectly normal to see your traffic decreases due to recent changes. For most this may be disturbing news, but for those leading the market using online marketing this means time to use the new tools available and beat that competition in order to dominate that local search.

Looking to evaluate your own local search situation? talk to us!