Google’s search results have been evolving constantly, and recent changes to how maps are displayed within search results are raising eyebrows for businesses and digital marketers. If your business relies on local SEO or gets a significant number of leads from Google search, you’ll want to pay attention to these updates, as they could have a big impact on your visibility and customer engagement.
The Shift in Map Placement
Historically, the Google Maps feature (often referred to as the “3-pack”) has appeared near the top of the search results for local queries, displaying a map with three businesses listed underneath. This position was prime real estate for local businesses looking to attract attention for specific search terms like “plumbers near me” or “landscapers in West Windsor, NJ”
However, recent updates have seen Google shifting the way these results are presented. The biggest change is that businesses are now appearing less frequently in the “3-pack,” with the map being pushed further down the page in some cases. Additionally, some local searches are now showing only one business listing, or no map results at all, particularly when the search query is more general or specific to certain industries.
What Does This Mean for Local SEO?
With these recent updates to Google’s search results, businesses relying on local search visibility must adapt quickly. The shifting map placements mean less guaranteed real estate at the top of search results, making it more challenging to stand out in a crowded market. For businesses, this emphasizes the growing importance of refining your local SEO strategy to stay competitive. Here’s what these changes could mean for your business and how you can make the most of them.
Increased Competition for Clicks – As the map and business listings are pushed further down the page, businesses in the local search results will now have to compete harder for visibility. Without the immediate map placement, it may take additional effort—such as paid ads or enhanced listings—to stand out.
Less Reliance on the 3-Pack – The old saying “location, location, location” has always applied to both brick-and-mortar businesses and their digital presence. With changes to how the map is placed, businesses no longer have a guaranteed spot in the 3-pack, making local SEO even more critical to achieving visibility. This means you’ll need to enhance your Google Business Profile, encourage customer reviews, and really focus on the optimization your website for local keywords to increase your chances of appearing in search results.
Focus on Content and Authority – Google’s algorithm changes continually push websites to focus on more than just local keywords. Now more than ever, it’s about building authority and trust with high-quality content. The more your website is considered an authoritative source, the more likely Google will push your page higher in search rankings, even without a prominent map placement.
The Growing Importance of Paid Ads – With the map placement being less consistent, businesses may increasingly turn to paid advertising, such as Google Ads, to ensure they stay visible in local searches. Running ads that appear above organic results, including map listings, is a viable way to maintain visibility and drive traffic.
How To Adapt To Google’s Changes
To maintain strong local search performance, start by optimizing your Google My Business listing with accurate details, regular updates, and responses to reviews. Create localized content specific to your service areas to improve visibility. Enhance your website’s technical SEO by focusing on page speed, mobile responsiveness, and local keywords. Finally, consider using Google Ads to secure top placement and attract local customers, even when map results are less visible.
Staying ahead of Google’s algorithm updates is crucial for lead generation in most businesses. If you haven’t updated your SEO strategy to account for these changes, now is the time to act. Contact 4Site Media today to ensure your business keeps up with the latest trends and doesn’t miss out on potential opportunities.
