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SEODoug · Guest

Google moves Map Listings

SEODoug · Guest

Actually KY,
I was checking up on some other sites I manage in other areas, and the Search results look a bit different, more like what you where describing... depending on what terms I type.

I have a feeling they will continue to tweak and improve it, but I like the direction they are going in.

RCIA Founder

Well Michael, welcome to the club ! Google Local was a trip, and I was figuring out what they wanted, when it ended! The "fibbing a little" I can relate too, but it don't seem to matter anymore, at least here in Tampa. We are showing up number one 45 miles away, but I will have to check it with a Proxy Server ? It may be that Google is reading our URL.

EDIT

I just checked using Ninja Cloak Proxy Server, we are number one in some areas 50 miles away! And it lists where we really are too, so being in the "geographical center of it all" don't seem to be mattering much.

gutterdog · Oct 30, 2010

KY Roof Cleaning wrote:

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:

KY Roof Cleaning wrote:

I personally don't like it. Seems they are trying to figure out a way to make money on folks that have worked hard at getting #1 organic placement for local searches. They keep pushing that spot further down the page. And it also seems that if you are in their "Local" area on the first page, they are excluding you from the organic on that same page.

The Local area has always been the hardest and weirdest area to predict and rank for. Now we have to put it in tha hands of Reviews and possible competitors false reviews on themselves or us.

Google Local was out of hand here in Tampa area. Guys were simply lying about where they really were, linking to a google map, and presto, they were in the roof cleaning business!

That is still the problem though Chris. The Local listings are still there. They are just appearing as organic looking listings and Organic is being pushed lower.
All the Local listings are popping up above the Organic with no rhyme or reason. At least Organic was not difficult to learn what Google needed in order to place you. This Local crap is tied to too many un controllable factors. The largest being you ADDRESS. I live and have my mailing address in Nicholasville, KY but in 9 years haven't washed a handfull of jobs here. My market is Lexington. With my address not being in Lexington, it is hard to rank in Local without fibbing a little. I do have a shop in Lexington that we use as address. But is is very Mnkey how Local determines the order in which they display local listings. Age is certainly not a factor as I was the ABSOLUTE first to claim a listing. Distance from city center doesn't seem to be a factor. We have link structure going to our actual local page, trying to give it link juice. Can't figure out what Google wants to get listed at top of Local listings. I personally think ORGANIC should ALWAYS be #1 listing.

-- Edited by KY Roof Cleaning on Saturday 30th of October 2010 09:45:35 AM

I checked you both out. Sorry. It was after tampa, I was wodering if it was as good as you guys. What I learned. Mike, Chris beats ya! I got halft the first page and some map chit, most searches. My vids are starting to show! on the first page!!!

gutterdog · Oct 30, 2010

I'm pushing gutter cleaning now.

KY Roof Cleaning · Guest

It just seems now, that instead of focusing on our website, we have to focus on link building to our google places instead. My ranking is still OK... But they seem to have opted to only give the url one placement. I rank in the local Google Places section, but now the URL doesn't show up where it used to... #1 right after the local map area. At that point I would have mutiple impressions on Page one. Now, I still have Multiple impressions, but some are now below, local guys that don't even have a website.

It's just wierd! It has changed several times in the past couple of days.

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"