Google’s Local Pack Update On August 7th, Google rolled out a seemingly small but incredibly significant update to the manner in which it displays local businesses within its web results. Instead of the traditional 7-pack map results, Google updated its format to display a greatly reduced (but expandable) 3-pack local listing format (aka Google Local Snack Pack). 7-Packs Now 3-Packs The move to 3-packs rolled out throughout the day. And in an unusual move for local, Google launched this change both in the US and internationally at once.
Webigg Technology, one of the Online Marketing Company offers great services in the domain of online marketing, web designing, web development & Internet Marketing Company India. Key Changes with the 3-Pack Update Aside from changing the number of listings, several other factors may impact local search exposure for businesses, changing the way search users get information in what Google calls the consumers’ micromoments of need, based on time, location proximity, price, and context of experience: • Change in flow: Business names now link to a second-level Google Map page rather than the business website, which was the historical flow. This mirrors the behavior on mobile search, requires a bit of back and forth between Google and the business’s website, and may bury the local business-specific information consumers are looking for. • Full address info and phone numbers were removed on desktop results , requiring additional clicks to see what 38% of consumers may need. • There are still no ‘visible’ phone numbers or full addresses on several mobile browsers, although inconsistently there are some mobile results that offer a click-to call button. • All links to Google+ pages have been removed, which supports G+ as a casualty of Google’s foray into Social. • Business hours are presented, with an additional ‘closed now’ note when the business is closed for the day (relative to the date/time the search was performed). • Increased user interaction on Google products (with ultimately more ad views) • Users will see an overview of additional local listings, for a total of 20 listings, when clicking through to a listing (other than the ‘Website’ link).