10 Likely Elements of Google’s Local Search Algorithm

Several of us have been involved in a lot of discussion about why the same search produces different results between Google Maps and Google.com.

The recent expansion of the Google Maps Onebox on Google.com makes local search optimization much more important than it was before this new display was implemented widely on Google.com. Now, whether you have a web site or not, a business that Google ranks highly in Google Maps can get dramatic exposure thanks to last month’s change. How dramatic? Well, according to Bill Tancer’s Hitwise data, Google.com gets about 100x more traffic than Google Maps. So, yeah, this can be huge for some small businesses.

The inevitable question, then — and the one several of us have been discussing — is what makes the Google Maps algorithm different from Google.com? Google Maps has a unique set of data to draw from. Here’s a semi-educated guess — but a guess, at best — at some of the factors that might make up the Google Maps algorithm. (These are not necessarily listed in order of importance.)

1. Use of Google’s Local Business Center (LBC)

Local search requires structured data to be effective. Google needs to be able to match the business to a location. By submitting a business listing, you’re giving Google the data confirmation it needs to make the association between your business and your place on the map.

2. Availability/Trust of other business data

If the business is not participating directly with Google’s LBC, does it have listings in the other major business databases like Acxiom, Amacai/Localeze, and infoUSA? If so, and if the listings are the same from one database to the next, Google may be able to assign more trust to the business and its location. Listings in Internet Yellow Pages (IYP) providers such as Superpages and YellowPages.com might be used for a similar purpose.

For the remaining 8 likely element of Google's local search algorithm, click here.

 The Lane Real Estate Team services the Tri City Wa Real Estate area.  Visit our real estate blog at Southeastern Washington Real Estate News.  Joe and Colleen Lane are Southeast Washington State Realtors® specializing in Real Estate Tri Cities WA buyer/seller services for Kennewick Real Estate, Richland Real Estate, Pasco Real Estate, and surrounding areas.  Search the MLS for residential houses, multifamily homes, commercial buildings, real estate articles, vacant land, and condos.  Professional service providing real estate information for all areas of Benton/Franklin counties.  Check out our Free Real Estate Articles.  Call Joe or Colleen Lane toll free 1-800-526-3588.

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