Google’s Place Search and its Impact on Search Results

The Google Search layout has changed yet again following a recent change to the Google Place listings on October 27. With more people conducting online searches to find local products and services, instead of flipping through paperback phone directories, Google has presented users with an even more comprehensive way of finding localised relevant content – fast.

If you have performed a search recently, you will have noticed that the Google Place listings are now merged with the organic listings into the search results. Prior to this update the places listings were displayed as a cluster of results at the top of the page. Now, the Google Place listings appear with lettered red pin icons in the search results with a corresponding map appearing to the right-hand side of the page above the sponsored links. The map moves up and down the page as you navigate the results too.

The newly integrated listings contain much more information than before. Google Place listings now include user generated content such as: reviews, average review ratings, company descriptions, images, website links, physical addresses and contact phone numbers.

Another important change as a result of this latest update, is the amount of real estate Google Place listings now take up on the first page of search results. With up to eight integrated Place listings now appearing with local search, you may be wondering what all this will mean for your website.

The actual search results are essentially still the same, how they are displayed however has changed. Businesses with a Google Places listing can now capitalise on this layout change by having the expanded integrated listings appear in the search results.

What if I don’t have a Google Places listing?

Basically, you run the risk of fading into the standard organic search results, which could possibly affect your local search traffic. It is important to note that many Places listings are automatically created from a Finda Business Directory listing, so even if you know you haven’t set up a Places listings yourself, you may actually have one. If this is the case, it is imperative that you claim your listing.

Why should I claim my listing?

Claiming your listing allows you to exercise some control over what is displayed in the search results. It is important to increase the likelihood of click-through to your website – this isn’t likely to be achieved if you leave an auto-generated listings that only has your business name. Claiming your listing means that you can ensure images are updated, contact information is correct, purchase information such as payment methods are noted, among a few other helpful and informative features. Wherever possible, also ask your clients to add reviews to your listing, recent online polls have shown a positive relationship between customer reviews and evaluations, and customer buying decisions.

If you are claiming a listings that has incorrect information, make sure you business profile is up to date on other online directories too.