13 replies to this topic

[smc_online]

Did Google make an official change to their SERPs?
I must of missed the buzz today.

Here is a screen shot:

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[Jill]

Never saw that before. Could be just testing something which they do often. Or perhaps you installed a plug-in?

[smc_online]

No plug ins. I was using IE8 to QA some site changes when I noticed the new layout.

It only does it in IE (I tried the same search in Chrome and FF to no avail). I also noticed that it showed a different layout for another another search term (different industry). The second SERPs displays the Google Places listings in line with the SERPS and the Google map in the right panel (above the PPC listings).

[Jill]

Actually, it's official!

[smc_online]

I think its awesome.

3rd party sites promoting their own domain--ie marketing directories--will not like it, but its about time that local business owners take back the reigns and direct local traffic to their own site (and not the 3rd party promoting other local competitors). Too many business owners have fallen prey to this tactic.

This change should elevate the importance of legitimate local results.

[kevs]

ONE search term I was #1, I'm still #1, but with my local page there at top.
But another very importance search term I was number 4, I'm now 13 below all locals, and there is no local tied to my result.
What up with that? Why the inconsistency.

I'm bummed in that people who had horrid serps, now are ranking top 5 organic.

In fact everything is now paid or local just about. And local is now being commercialized with paid tags.

Do you think people will know the true organics are below?

[Jill]

In fact everything is now paid or local just about. And local is now being commercialized with paid tags.

Which is, of course, the point.

Do you think people will know the true organics are below?

Doubt most would care.

[Michael Martinez]

It's hard to imagine a typical Websearch query that should produce results different from what is featured in the new local search results. Even if you're just looking for reviews Google provides links to them.

[kevs]

Jill, what's the point?
Google got to be #1 for it's great relevant organic results, not a bunch of paid and local results with promotions for tags.

Micheal, did not understand your post.

Back to my question: how come I'm still #1 with the local link etc, but another search term have 10 point drop and the local link is not there?

also Jill, I have heard people say they ignore the paid Adwords and click the organic. Studies and said the organics with 3-4 times the clicks as Adwords. But you don't think at this point the local results with be eschewed for the organics below them.

[Jill]

Jill, what's the point?

For Google to make money of course!

I have heard people say they ignore the paid Adwords and click the organic.

Some do that. But more often than not, regular people who are not all that web savvy don't even know that certain results are paid for and others aren't. Frankly, they assume they're all paid for.

[kevs]

Jill, do you think Google's greed could be an opening for others.

[Jill]

Sure, eventually it could be.

But Google is highly entrenched in our society right now, and that's not going to be easy to change. They're going to have to start sucking really bad before people change preferences.

And there's going to have to be something that is one zillion times easier, better, or whatever, to get the masses to change.

[Shamon]

ONE search term I was #1, I'm still #1, but with my local page there at top.
But another very importance search term I was number 4, I'm now 13 below all locals, and there is no local tied to my result.
What up with that? Why the inconsistency.

I'm bummed in that people who had horrid serps, now are ranking top 5 organic.

In fact everything is now paid or local just about. And local is now being commercialized with paid tags.

Do you think people will know the true organics are below?

I have maintained a spot at #1 for a site, before and after the serp change... but the owner of a business had recieved a 'few' negative reviews (mostly because he deserved them - but you didn't hear that from me). The google local listing was very difficult to find previously, but now was #1 on page #1 of the SERPS thus making the bad reviews very obvious. He asked me what to do, and I figured out a convoluted method of getting rid of the google local / place page that was attached to the organic result...and what do you know, no movement from the #1 result on page #1. I'd guess that google somehow found a way to merge both their local algo with their organic algo with more weight being given to the organic portion in the new super algo.

[kevs]

thanks Shamon, are you saying he maintained his SEO and getting rid of his place page?

Too bad can't get rid of bad reviews. I personally hate the whole review thing. it makes small business so vulnerable.