Google Pigeon Update Ties Google’s Local Search Algorithm To Web Search.
The significance of ‘local search’ to Google isn’t new. The official launch of ‘Google Places’ on April 1st 2010, re-branded the ‘Local Business Center’ and integrated ‘Places’ pages (rolled out September 2009) more closely with local search results. This was also the time Google introduced their new local advertising options.
On July 24th 2014, Google launched a new algorithm in the US aimed at providing more relevant, useful and accurate local search results that are tied more closely to traditional web search ranking signals.
The changes will directly impact Google Maps search results and Google Web search results.
Most did, and when ‘Pigeon’ was released in Australia, 5 months after the US release, they all experienced a significant increase in enquiry and sales as a result of being found at the top of search engine result pages (SERP) for many more localised search queries.
Google Pigeon Update released on December 22nd 2014 to Australia is an extremely significant update and rewards small business websites that conform to best SEO practices.
Focusing on traditional organic ranking factors and following Google’s Webmaster Quality Guidelines pays dividends.
As a result of this update to the Google Algorithm, search results have become more localised, the radius of results is now closer to the visitor (based on IP Address) and their search query.
Websites that had, or put hyperlocal content with text and images that associates the business with a specific neighbourhood or local region strengthened their authority as a resource for a narrowed search radius and were rewarded.
It’s worth noting that unlike the ‘Panda’ and ‘Penguin’ updates that were penalty based, ‘Pigeon’ rewarded quality local content.
Google Pigeon Update to Google’s Local Search Algorithm was a ‘win-win’, for people looking for products and services nearby, and for the small businesses happy to deal with more customers closer to them.
After A New Website Design That Ranks?
Whether you’re looking at upgrading or starting from scratch, provide services or have products you’d like to sell online, Thinking IT can design a stunning website for your business and make sure it ranks high on all search engine result pages (SERP’s).
After discussing your goals and analysing what you require, Nigel will be able to let you know exactly what the costs will be to meet your unique needs.
At Thinking IT, we can handle everything to make your online presence a success. From photography & graphic design services to copywriting your pages & website’s blog – utilising local SEO techniques for ‘Google Pigeon’, set up automated email campaigns & look after your social media or PPC marketing.
