8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

What's happening with Google Maps - Local Business results?

by khtm
7 replies
Specifically, the local business maps listings that appear at the top of organic search results.

A short while ago every local keyword would show A-G (7) businesses. Now some of them show only 1 and others show 3.

Has anyone else noticed this?
It's definitely frustrating for people doing local business SEO campaigns. Hard to predict when or if the business will appear in the local listings.

Here's an example with only 1 business listing that about a month ago showed 7 of them:

vancouver movers - Google Search
#business #google #happening #local #maps #results
  • Profile picture of the author thenextlevel
    I was under the impression that it always showed 7 results as well. Good question that I would like to know the answer to as well.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1816324].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author khtm
    Is this just your own theory, or do you have a link to share?

    Seems unlikely to me because the results aren't consistently reduced. Like I said, some still show 7, others show 3, and others show 1. I don't see a pattern...unless this is Google's way of split testing some new algorithm they have.

    Originally Posted by Illumination View Post

    if i'm not mistaken, they are cutting it down due to excessive spam.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1816380].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cscarpero
      Hey at least something is showing. My SEO biz got deleted completely from maps!
      Signature

      I'm an online marketer and mortgage loan officer.

      Connect with me at www.Scarpero.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1817674].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Chris Grable
        Hmm... run that search with a bc. i.e... "vancouver bc movers"

        vancouver bc movers - Google Search
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1817971].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author khtm
          I figured out why that example I gave was only showing 1 listing.

          It's because that "Best Price Movers" company broke the rules and signed up with a business name equal to the keyword, ie "vancouver movers". Even though it's obviously not the real business name.

          Business Listing Quality Guidelines - Maps Help
          Do not attempt to manipulate search results by adding extraneous keywords or a description of your business into the business name.
          At least Google has this nice form to report Spam in the map listings
          Report an instance of spam - Maps Help
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1821458].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
            Yes just one way people have tried to scam google maps and google is busting many of these now.

            The biggest keys to high rankings seem to be:

            # 1: Having the business name and physical address of the business listed on as many local and related sites as possible. You don't need a backlink just the name and address listed.

            # 2: Choosing categories very carefully. You only get a few and they are the most likely phrases you'll get ranked high in google maps for so choose wisely.

            # 3: Playing by google's rules. The guys who tried to scam the system by using po boxes, dodgy business names, keyword stuffing in categories, etc etc are now progressively getting their listings deleted from Google Maps.

            Remember that google is trying to provide an accurate service....people can find a particular business type in a particular location.

            What you want to do is make sure if your business matches those criteria that you're at the top of google maps.

            Doing something outside of that to scam the system is probably going to cost you in the long run.

            Kindest regards,
            Andrew Cavanagh
            Signature
            Old School Copy Like This Is BACK & Converting Like Crazy!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1821805].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cynthia A.
    That may not be the actual final Google map listing. It would say "Local business results for vancouver movers" above the listing. That is probably a newly owner verified map listing. I had the same thing happen to a client of mine. Being in a "one box" like the one shown was only temporary.
    Signature
    [WSO]: Learn the The Easiest Way To Get Your Emails OPENED So You Can SELL MORE & MAKE MORE MONEY! Find out here

    Is It Worth The Money?
    Video Reviews of Internet Marketing Products: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly. www.IsItWorthTheMoney.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1822260].message }}

Trending Topics