Changes in Google Map Listings for brand name search results

It seems that Google has changed its local business listing/map listings to be shown as a place page for brand name search results. This change seems to help website URL’s to rank higher for their domain names and dominate the search with maps. Google also has a benefit as the visitors only have the option of going to Google Maps page via the Place page link and they cannot go directly to the website. This will increase the traffic to Google Maps.

Here is a screenshot

Note some of the differences:

1) The business website now shows above the map listing pushing the map listing one place down in the SERP's.

2) URL of the website is not displayed and there is only one option to Place Page.

3) The map pin next the business name becomes larger

4) No more stars for business reviews.

5) Reviews are not shown for all listings. The reviews are shown in the SERP listing only if the map listing of the website has significant number of reviews.

I am not sure if this is just a testing done by Google Maps Team. The change seems to have happened on July 10th , 2010.

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• Tags:
• google maps. google places
• google local business listings