Google's recent changes to its popular "Maps" section is creating quite a stir on the Cape. We know of several local contractors who were previously in the Google Maps Top Ten and have now dropped down out completely. Apparently the change in Maps listings from 10 to 7 or 3 , was accompanied by changes in the local search algorithm. We've noticed the merging of different accounts listed in the same geographic area. For instance, Clover Landscaping located at 92 Davis Straits Rd Falmouth, was merged with Clover Monuments (same address) despite the fact that the businesses had different phone numbers, urls etc. The recent announcement of Google Social Search and therefore social media results more frequently showing up on search results, portends more changes in the near term. First page Google search results seem to be increasingly paid search results as the valuable local search space becomes more difficult to penetrate. Some sort of local ad option, in addition to Adwords, also appears to be in the offing. How has your business been affected ?
