There is a sea change in local searches as a result of Google Maps

[earlpearl]

Mike:

At this point (due to time constraints) I'm only looking at my own industry and own business and I'm not seeing that correlation. I saw correlations like that back in Dec, I believe, but am not seeing it now.

I'm wondering if adding G elements like G coupons or G base to a business is having an effect. Anyone seeing anything like that?

Just a hypothesis, also, is anyone seeing an impact from inclusion or references from any specific directories.

Could a major IYP have a financial deal w/ G? I'm going to shop the IYP's for advertising for my business and see what they tell me.

BTW: I just read Barry Schwartz's comments at SEroundtable about uncovering the new change element Google maps installed for business owners. (as of 02/12/07) Barry credits Mike with pushing and highlighting a problem which G just addressed.

Kudo's Mike!!!!

[mblumenthal]

I have seen benefit from Coupons in that they act as an additional web reference and add authority to your listing/business.

If you send me your search (perhaps under separate cover) I will look at the results and let you if I see anything.

Mike

[Matt McGee]

Thanks for the forum invite, Dave. Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by earlpearl

It appears that google maps algos have been undergoing significant changes over the past several months...and frankly I can't figure them out at this point. In fact there could be several methods being currently used.

I would say there are several methods being used, and my gut instinct says its industry-based. But that's based only on very cursory looks at different SERPs.

Looks like there's lots to read in this thread, and others, so off I go for now.

[earlpearl]

Mike and I are trying a couple of experiments to further investigate these phenomena.

If you didn't know it, Mike was credited by Rustybrick as having instigated a change in Google that could alter and clean up certain dramatically wrong data at G maps.

To date they seem to be propagating this opportunity for change on a limited basis.

We will see what happens.

Dave

[earlpearl]

RP:

Thanks to Mike Blumenthal's eyes and research we seemed to catch what is causing a problem w/some of my listings.

A couple of observations;

1. It appears that G maps works on one basis by address. Not being in the town in which you want to rank has pushed you down the g maps serps.

Need an address in that town in order to compete on those listings.

In terms of other ranking methods it no longer seems to be # of references. It looks like reviews counts a lot.

I'm looking for an address right now.

[dazzlindonna]

And reviews can be easily accomplished.

[earlpearl]

so true!

[pops]

Originally Posted by earlpearl

It appears that G maps works on one basis by address.

is that an address you input via Google Local or some other way. Or is it simply an address that appears on your website? For instance, if I want to show up for St. Louis, can I mention on my site that I enjoy

Crown Candy Kitchen
1401 St. Louis Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63106
(314) 621-9650

?

[Robert Paulson]

Originally Posted by dazzlindonna

And reviews can be easily accomplished.

Exactamundo!


Thanks for the results, EP. Changing my website and local listing right now.

@ Pops - G takes their best shot at figuring out who you are and where you are by your website, unless you make it clear by registering the biz on G local.

[mblumenthal]

Hello All

I hve just written a summary of my current thinking (to go along with Matt's recent post) on how Google Maps is working...

It can be viewed here:http://blumenthals.com/blog/?p=108

I would appreciate feedback and suggestions as to technical details as well as clarity and other issues you may think relevant

Mike