Local Search Game Changers: New Organic & Paid Google Local Results Affect Local Businesses

Local Search Game Changers: New Organic & Paid Google Local Results Affect Local Businesses was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.

Google local results shifted in two significant ways that local businesses and home service providers should take note of.

1. Fewer local organic results display on the first page.
Where last week seven local results were shown next to a map for a local-intent query, this week we see only three organic local listings by a map. As a result, local businesses ranked beyond the top three have no organic visibility.

2. Google is testing a new search ad format for home service providers.
Google is beta testing home service ads. To be included in this coveted space, service providers must meet the most stringent qualifications for advertisers yet, including background and license checks, online reputation checks and mystery shopping checks.

Read about the changes impact local SEO.