Proximal Relevance for Google Maps Search Results

[Ray Litvak]

While doing generic searches on Google Maps this weekend (I.e. Content Writer etc) and other relevant non geo-targeted terms, I noticed a number of U.S. based GBPs appearing among the top results and a few from overseas (rhymes with Great Kitten). I was under the impression that searching for products/services in Google Maps from Toronto would serve up relevant results, including those 'near me' or close to my proximity. Now, they did have 'categorical' relevance. But is this an anomaly? Or am I out of the loop?
Thanks in advance to those that reply,
Appreciatively!
-Ray

 

[Colan Nielsen]

Hi Ray! Do you have a specific example you can share?

 

[Ray Litvak]

Hi Ray! Do you have a specific example you can share?

Hey Colan,
I have two examples that I am attaching for your reference, cuz sharing is caring.
Thanks for your reply!
Appreciatively,
-Ray

 

[JS Girard]

Content writers showing up high in that second example is pretty normal because it's basically a 95% name match. It doesn't seem to be THAT high since it's the last of the shown profiles.

Amusingly enough, performing the same "content writers" search from Montreal has you in seventh position on maps lol.

I suspect a factor may be that this is a niche where not that many GBPs targetting the keywords exist in general (Case in point: no threepacks.), so some of those who do have an unusual reach.

 

[Ray Litvak]

Hello JS,

Thank you for your CAD 0.02

I'm surprised I showed up in Montreal at all. Perhaps it's my love of poutine.

Based on my experience, the phrase 'Content Writers' often produces a three-pack, such as Content Writers Wawa or Content Writers Squamish. Perhaps it's a case of perceived Relevance trumping proximity and prominence. Also, the three-pack results can be seen to change hourly. Interesting, to say the least.

Appreciatively,
-Ray

 

[JS Girard]

Well, I was querying specificaly the string "content writers", since that was the search being done in the screenshots you shared lol. It's a fairly well-established fact that searches without a geographic area (or where that area has little to no results) will get results from significantly farther afield.

Though Montreal-Toronto is admittedly quite a bit farther than I'm used to, it does feel like a rare enough targeted term for a GBP (especially for a majority French language area like Montreal) that I'm still fairly convinced that's the driving factor in this particular case both for me and you.

I would not expect that for a better known keyword like, say, "social media marketer". B2B stuff, especially where it's not clearly associated with one of Google's category, can get a little weird in GBP in general, because the platform is not exactly intended for it, even though the categories may exist.

We used to have a law firm specialized in business transfers amongst our client. At the time the "business broker" category did not have a french name. We never got any sort of traction for any of the keywords because google couldn't match them to a GBP category.

 

[Ray Litvak]

My ex-girlfriend used to finish sentences with the 'lol tla. Hence, the 'ex.' It's not a good look, JS...just sayin' eh?
-Ray

 

[Colan Nielsen]

For what it's worth I see you #1 for "Content Writer" and I am about an hour east of Toronto. With that said, Google might just know that we are buds who share a passion for MMA

But I am also getting results from the US. I think part of the challenge is with intent. I don't think Google considers "Content Writer" to be a search with pure local intent.

 

[Ray Litvak]

Great point and thank you for weighing in, Colan!

You're a force to be reckoned with in the Local SEO world and on the mats Ooossss!

 

[mattmcgee]

FWIW, down/over here in Washington state, I don't get a local pack at all for "best content writer," whether I'm logged in or not.