MENUMENU
  • Services
    • Services
      • Search Engine Optimization
      • International Search Marketing
      • Local Search Marketing
      • Pay Per Click Advertising
      • Social Media Marketing
      • Email Marketing
      • Conversion Rate Optimization
      • Public Relations
      • Website Design & Development
      • Reporting & Analytics
      • Amazon Marketing Services
      • Digital Marketing Strategy
      • Franchise Marketing
  • Case Studies
  • About Us
    • About Ignite Visibility
      • Our Story
      • Clients
      • Our Values
      • Diversity & Inclusion
      • Our Team
      • UCSD Extension Courses
      • Careers
  • Thought Leadership
      • Our Blog
      • Podcast
      • SEO: The Movie
      • Social Media Marketing: The Movie
      • Book: The Forecaster Method
      • Attend Our Next Digital Marketing Event
  • Contact
  • 619.752.1955
Home / Google / Google Local Search Rolls Out Major Algorithm Change

Google Local Search Rolls Out Major Algorithm Change

July 25, 2014 By John E Lincoln

local search google algorithm update

Google rolled out a pretty big algorithm update to their local search rankings as of last night. Currently there are not many details to analyze just yet, however it is known that the change has made a significant impact on local search. Ranking changes for local businesses, whether for better or worse, have been widely noticed. This has been stirring up quite a buzz in the SEO community and we are continuing to learn more and more about the algorithm change.

While not many details of this algorithm change can be said for sure, it is safe to say that this change is striving to push local search results signals to be more like that of traditional web search. Along with the changes in Google Search, changes in Google Maps will also be affected. This is exciting news for local businesses who have been developing a quality SEO strategy overtime (other businesses may see quite a drop in traffic and leads for local search) as they should see a spike in business.

Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable was able to get some information from the Google team and commented that the new local search algorithm “ties deeper into their web search capabilities” and takes into account “features such as Knowledge Graph, spelling correction, synonyms and more.” Mr. Schwartz covers the current details of this algorithm in a video that I have posted right here. He also covers a few other subjects if you would like to learn about some more recent SEO news.

Ultimately put, the upgrade of Google local search is trying to bring users the most relevant information possible when they are searching for things nearby. This is definitely going to be interesting to see how it plays out. Sometimes Google will announce what percentage of queries have been affected, but we have yet to see any of that information. This change currently only pertains to English search results in the United States. When searching for a local business, we should also see more accurate distance attributes as well. It has also been noticed that this algorithm change is not necessarily spam focused, it is more so focused on making the local search a better experience for users.

Have you already noticed changes in local search results? Also, do you think Google is headed in the right direction with this local search algorithm update? Let us know your thoughts below.

Work Cited

“Google Launches New Local Search Algorithm: SEOs Notice Significant Ranking Changes” by Barry Schwartz
“Google Updates Local Search Algorithm With Stronger Ties To Web Search Signals” by Barry Schwartz

About John E Lincoln

John Lincoln (MBA) is CEO of Ignite Visibility (a 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Inc. 5000 company) a highly sought-after digital marketing strategist, industry speaker and author of two books, "The Forecaster Method" and "Digital Influencer." Over the course of his career, Lincoln has worked with over 1,000 online businesses ranging from small startups to amazing clients such as Office Depot, Tony Robbins, Morgan Stanley, Fox, USA Today, COX and The Knot World Wide. John Lincoln is the editor of the Ignite Visibility blog. While he is a contributor, he does not write all of the articles and in many cases he is supported to ensure timely content.

You may also like:

  • History of Google Algorithm Updates
    History of Google Algorithm Updates – History Timeline for SEOs
  • Google's robots.txt checker
    The Newbies Guide to Block URLs with Robots.txt

  • The Full Guide to Law Firm SEO (2022)

  • How to Build SEO Dashboard With Google Data Studio

Search Here

NEWSLETTER // SIGN UP NOW

About The Editor

John E Lincoln, CEO

John Lincoln is CEO of Ignite Visibility, one of the top digital marketing agencies in the nation and a 6x Inc. 5,000 company. Lincoln is consistently named one of the top marketing experts in the industry. He has been recipient of the Search Engine Land "Search Marketer of the Year" award, named the #1 SEO consultant in the USA by Clutch.co, most admired CEO and 40 under 40. Lincoln has written two books (The Forecaster Method and Digital Influencer) and made two movies (SEO: The Movie and Social Media Marketing: The Movie) on digital marketing. He is a digital marketing strategy adviser to some of the biggest names in business. John Lincoln is the editor of the Ignite Visibility blog. While he is a major contributor, he does not write all of the articles.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN

Contact Us. Let’s Chat!

  • Hidden

Marketing Guides

SEO In 2020: How To Prepare For Major Disruption

"SEO: The Movie" - Have You Seen Our Film? Watch Now

"Social Media Marketing: The Movie" - Have You Seen Our Film? Watch Now

Amazon Seller Central vs Vendor Central

Listen To The Podcast Featuring The Best Minds In Marketing

John Lincoln Interviews Global Director of Digital Marketing & Strategy at Qualcomm, Jessica Jensen

Check Out 227 Free Online Marketing Classes

The 2020 Guide To Dominating SEO With Advanced Schema

Learn More About Our Digital Marketing Agency

Learn More About Our SEO Services

Learn More About Our Paid Media Services

SELECT CATEGORY

Become A Contributor

Interested in writing for Ignite Visibility?

APPLY NOW

Services

  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Pay Per Click Management
  • Conversion Rate Optimization
  • Website Design & Development
  • Social Media Company
  • Public Relations
  • Amazon Marketing Services
  • Franchise Marketing
  • International Services
  • Digital Marketing Agency Services

About

  • Our Team
  • Our Values
  • Clients
  • Reviews
  • UCSD Extension Courses
  • Careers
  • Tools & Resources
  • Sitemap

Contact

4250 Executive Square, Suite 100
La Jolla, California 92037

619.752.1955

Join The Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest from Ignite Visibility.

google parther logo

©2022 Ignite Visibility. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy