Google expands OneBox for More Local Search Content

Google upped the number of biz listings appearing at tops of local SERPs

[Silvery]

Yesterday, Google expanded the local business listings appearing at the tops of their regular web search results pages. Ex:

[google.com...]

Previously, for certain business category keywords, they would display three of their local directory listings at the tops of pages. Last year, they began to display a small map along with one listing for business name searches. Now, they're displaying the map along with the three listings from category/keyword searches that include a locality parameter.

This effectively pushes down all the other organic search results on the pages where this occurs.

So, is it reasonable to expect that the click-through rates for all those pushed-down organic listings might decrease as a result?

[jk3210]

is it reasonable to expect

It's written in stone, I'd say. This is a huge change.

[earlpearl]

In my experience this looks like the biggest change for Google local since February 2005. I think that is when they instituted changes in their algo as it impacted local type searches.

I'm evaluating changes and impacts and one quick thought is to immediately add ppc on a variety of phrases where my site was once total domination and now isn't.

I wonder how much of an increase in current ppc might come out of this and what bodes for the future.

Dave

[inbound]

This change is major, I suppose now is the time to ensure you are well represented in Google Local/Maps.

We started to see a significant rise in Google Local referals a little while ago as we show in the related web pages for many businesses. This number will probably rise even further now.