Local query doesnt trigger local maps listings?
-
Hi guys,
Ive been doing local seo for quite some time and had great results from both organic listings and local maps listings (and a merged listings).
However ive noticed time and time again that local maps listings dont appear in serps on all local searches, even the most popular local search terms.
Take the phrase "marketing company glasgow" local phrase,local intent but no maps results. But if you click on maps on the laft hand side, theres clearly tons of mpas results.
Any ideas why google dont display local businesses on certain local intent phrases?
Is there any way around this? Even with good on page seo, and good rankings organically, it would be great to get the maps listing on page 1 too.
Thanks
Robert
-
Hi Robert,
You are right in your conclusion that on things like this 'only Google knows'. However, your example term is an interesting one as Google has historically been odd in their treatment of marketing and SEO firms when it comes to local results. Google kicked SEO companies out of the local organic results a couple of years ago, and some marketing firms got the boot as well. However, for the term you've specified, I do see 1 blended local result coming up for a firm called 'The Marketing Company Scotland'. Everything else on the page of results is organic (searching from my location in California, but at least one company is being given local treatment.
It has long been a mystery how Google decides which queries have a local intent. Sometimes they just don't show local results for things you think they would and other times, they show local results when that wasn't your intent, as the searcher, at all. There isn't really a way to influence their decision on this...at least, not that I've heard of, and like yourself, I've been been doing Local SEO for years.
The only thing to hang your hat on is that Google is constantly changing their handling of local. What they are doing today may not be what they are doing and, eventually, you may see them decide that your query of choice is local in intent.
Thanks for asking such a good question here!
Miriam
-
i think this is probably a "only google knows" as you say.
Be good to know for sure
-
You might be asking a question that Google only knows though. We know how to optimise to increase and get into those map listings, but actually getting the map system activated for a local search term maybe a different matter all together.
But im not 100% as I not a map wizard, sure someone on here will know a lot more about it.
Could be down to the number of queries for the term before it activates, queries against number of listings, might not be but just an example of what could be taken into account.
-
maybe not the best example then lol but still only one map, merged listing. what about trust deeds glasgow?
local search and i know theres lots of local businesses and maps listings but google dont show them?
im not an expert on maps so maybe someone can shed some light?
-
I just did your example term and got a map result in organic with a visual map top, right allowing you to see full screen map with pointers.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Once you start fixing Local citations with correct NAP, is it normal for your rankings to plunge at first?
I strongly believe that I have received the most solid Local advice I could from these forums and have started (in just a few days) to make the needed corrections. At the same time I'm somewhat excited and optimistic that it will be a long journey but that it's a learning process. About 5 days ago, I set my website up with "City landing pages" and I started plundering through google, fixing and claiming and correcting as many citations as I could with correct NAP. The journey still continues today as I just got my Bing Local card in the mail and verified. I went to check my rankings on Google Maps, just to see if anything had changed and sure enough it had. My listing had been holding strong at page 10 (which drives me nuts) and now after 5 days of solid work its on page 18. I have to assume that because I'm stirring the dust perhaps Google is confused and maybe in a month or so things might start moving the other way? Thoughts?
Image & Video Optimization | | jonnyholt0 -
Ranking well for keywords, but not in Google maps
If the search "criminal defense attorney" or any number of variants, is performed from a mobile device, like an iPhone, Google maps seems to be inserting many local map listings ahead of the normal search results in the Tallahassee, Florida area. These are great - as they have the Call button and the Directions button. However, for some reason, my clients aren't ranking well here and competitors who are seemingly doing nothing are higher in the list. I have created the Google+ page for attorney and business page for the firm and completed the profile, uploading pictures etc and verified the address. I have the local address (schema-proper, I believe) on the linking home page and their address is actually closer to downtown/midtown than others. I've even gotten some positive reviews and +1s, at least enough to be competitive in this field. This was about 2 months ago. Any advice? On a (perhaps) related note, the competition has category descriptions outside of the Google-allowed categories. I can't save settings without fitting neatly into their "Criminal Justice Attorney" category. Help here would also be appreciated.
Image & Video Optimization | | DrewR0 -
Business listings - scope and time commitment
Hi guys It is my understanding that for a successful local search campaign, you need accurate listings in, Axiom, Localeze and Infogroup (as well as Google, Bing and Yahoo of course). My company has 70 locations. Does anyone have any idea what the time commitment would be of this? And is it free to add these listings to these three places (went to their sites but still confused). Trying to determine if this is within my team's bandwidth and/or whether it's better to go through a reasonably-priced, trusted local listings service. Thanks!
Image & Video Optimization | | SSFCU0 -
Local SEO: Ste vs. Suite vs. #
Hi, I used the spelled out "Suite" in my local NAP, but sometimes it's been shortened to Ste by citation websites. I'm trying to remain consistent here Should I use Ste H, Suite H, or #H? This is a good article on it: http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/google-local-citations/1605-suite-vs-ste-vs-your-citation-addresses-2.html but I'd still like your opinion.
Image & Video Optimization | | BobGW0 -
Best Tool For Local Rank Tracking
Hello Everyone, I have taken a few clients recently that i'm doing local SEO for; I'm curious of what the best tool is for keyword tracking with local intent? I have heard things about WhiteSpark and MicrositeMasters, but I have no idea what is the best, is SEOmoz's tracking good for local? Thanks Zach
Image & Video Optimization | | Zachary_Russell0 -
Creating a custom google map with spreadsheet
Hi Hi, I recently saw the Seomoz Webinar "All About Google Places", and there was the advice to make a custom map with google spreadsheet. I tried it, but it hadn't worked. It seem, that this service is deprecated: http://gmaps-samples.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/spreadsheetsmapwizard/makecustommap.htm I can't find another way doing this with spreadsheets. Can anyone help? Thank you! André
Image & Video Optimization | | waynestock0 -
Local SEO... use 800 # or local, use full-street name or abbreviation?
Couple local SEO questions... Do you feel it’s better to submit a listing with the full type of street rather than an abbreviation? Google Places sometimes disassociates data because of small differences like this. Below is an example: Full Name: 123 Broadway Street
Image & Video Optimization | | qlkasdjfw
Abbreviation: 123 Broadway St. Also, I’m wondering if you feel it’s better to submit a local number versus an 800 number. I've modified many local listings for clients manually with an 800 number, but then there are other data sources for these same businesses that are displaying the local number. I am starting to use UBL/LocalEZE and are wondering what people have seen working best... local number or 800 number. Thanks!0 -
Listing in Local search
Hi, Are several listing in google places allowed ? I've got 1 address but with 3 differents services with 1 website for each activity . Tks a lot..
Image & Video Optimization | | mozllo0