Changes to Places Search & Google SERPs Display

[Linda Buquet]

Thanks Daniel for weighing in.

Maybe there just weren't many results for that search term. Because when I search Bing for more popular terms like Dentist, there is a more results link. San Diego dentist

 

[Linda Buquet]

I think it's a subtle push - maybe more like a nudge - toward Google+. But I also can't see how it would be throwing the FTC a little bone.

Phil, sounds like Mike agrees with both theories. Yes on anti-trust issues and yes on G+ push.

He posted this today. Whither Places Search? Is Plus Search Next?

 

[Linda Buquet]

The Google Top Contributors have been asking Google about this change.

Just got a public statement from Jade I can share.

"Thanks for your feedback about the small update to the local search user interface on Google. This is one of several updates we're working on to improve the local search experience, with the goal of more seamless exploration of places and more integration of local data. Stay tuned for more updates soon."

So does not really tell us too much except that more changes are on the way. "Seamless" and "more integration" sounds like more blending to me and less distinction between local and organic maybe???

 

[Jim Froling]

Re: Changes to Places Search & Google SERPs Display...My "user experience" yesterday

Working in my yard yesterday I broke a water valve that feeds the fire sprinkler system in my house. I called a client who is a plumber but was told that only plumbers certified to work on fire sprinkler systems could help me and he, as well as most plumbers, do not have that certification.

No drama. I simply Googled "fire sprinkler plumber in san clemente, ca". The SERP returned were pages of web organic results for various providers in Texas, Wisconsin, articles that I had no time or desire to read, plumbing supply houses, etc. etc. No "Places", no "Map", nothin'. I tried other related search queries, each with similar results. At this point I went "old school" and thought where I might find a Yellow Pages directory (their online version was even less helpful than Google SERPs). However, I don't need any more door stops so I don't have a Yellow Pages directory around and can't recall last time I did.

I finally found a local company to help me only after calling three other plumbers and even the local fire station. Not having a range of options like I would have before last week I was prepared to be screwed by "the only game in town". Fortunately I lucked out and the local "certified" fire sprinkler plumber repaired the valve and at a very reasonable cost. Whew!

My user experience? 1) I was NOT pleased to waste time looking at irrelevant SERPs for my local search. My water was off, we couldn't bathe, flush toilets or prepare food. I WANTED A FRICKING LOCAL PHONE #, DAMN IT!!!; 2) A few weeks ago when "custom categories" were alive my search for a "specialist" plumber would have yielded results. Now, nada, zip, nothin'.

This isn't progress! In my opinion, and now personal experience, the changes in local search over the past 30+ days have set the search user experience back several years. I only hope that the present state of things is indeed temporary. Otherwise the old school yellow page publishers will become relevant again. Fabulous!

 

[Linda Buquet]

Re: Changes to Places Search & Google SERPs Display...My "user experience" yesterday

Yep stinks Jim.

Not only specialized plumber searches but today when I was researching for another story I discovered atlanta plumber does not even pull local. If you make it plural it does, but singular NOPE - no 7 pack!

 

[Jim Froling]

Oh, I hope Jade, and especially her superiors at Google, are monitoring this. If so...

HEY GOOGLERS! FIX THIS!!!
Please

 

[Phil Rozek]

Phil, sounds like Mike agrees with both theories. Yes on anti-trust issues and yes on G+ push.

He posted this today. Whither Places Search? Is Plus Search Next?

I was glad to see that, but again, just my two cents

This is an annoying change, but I also think it's just a small part of a long arc Google has been on for over a year, and that the latest Plus push won't really change much we do for clients.

 

[Daniel C Berman]

Anybody care to comment on the New Google Maps Interface post from Googlesystem?

One of the new features lets you restrict local search results to places recommended by top reviews or your Google+ circles.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Thanks for heads up Daniel!

The phrase standing on shaky ground comes to mind. Seems like Google is shaking everything up. Bet there will be lots of other surprises just in time for Google I/O next week.

Soooo with Places search and more results near... link gone, that left folks to search on Google Maps.

BUT now Map search results on the left that shows who ranks 1, 2, 3 etc will be gone???

So there will be no local rankings??? Just a bunch of listings showing up on a map???

 

[Linda Buquet]

NOTE: I started a new thread about the Google Maps update that's coming because I think it could be an important change that deserves it's own thread.

Thanks again for alerting us Daniel!

Please carry over any discussions about the Google Maps update to this new thread:
Head's Up! New Google Maps Update Coming - May Affect Local SEO

 

[Linda Buquet]

Heads up. Another major update spotted and I think all of this is tied together with the maps update that was also leaked.

Keep eye on these 2 threads!

http://localsearchforum.catalystema...or-google-local-update-rolling-out-maybe.html

THIS IS WHY PLACES SEARCH and "more results" went away I think! To test that new display in stealth mode and so it could go live and they could show today at the event below.

http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/google-local/6958-google-i-o-2013-live-feed-here.html

I think all will be announced at the "Future of Maps" section coming up 12:45 PST.
Watch the feed live at that 2nd link! EXCITING DAY!