Google Pigeon is a search algorithm update applied by Google in July of 2014. This update is designed to return more accurate local search results, which can in turn affect a business’ website referral frequency on Google. Learning what this update means for your business can help you to maintain higher visibility on the web.
Changes in Local Directory Search Results
One of the most significant changes brought about by the Google Pigeon update is a change in the way local directory site results show up on Google search results pages. Some of the most common directory sites include review sites such as Yelp, Urbanspoon, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable. Directory sites also include local newspapers and travel sites such as Hotels.com, Expedia, and Kayak. Before the Pigeon update, Google searches—even those including a specific local directory keyword—would often turn up Google listings at the top of the page, with local directory results appearing lower in the search rankings. Thanks to the Google Pigeon update, local searches now bring up local directories at the top of the search rankings, with Google and other websites appearing below.
What This Means for Your Business
What does the Google Pigeon update mean for your business? This update is designed to better utilize “standard web ranking signals” in Google searches, meaning Google searches are attempting to become more accurate based on user input. The Pigeon update should provide Google users with more accurate local results, which can boost your business’ web presence when local consumers search for keywords related to your business. If your business has reviews on local directory sites, these reviews are now more likely to show up at the top of Google search results pages.
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