New Google Maps Interface Changes the Face of Local Search

The newly updated Google Maps interface has thrown open its doors to all users and is no longer by invitation only. In last month's issue, we examined how this new Google Maps interface is far more personalized and has completely removed the directory style listings we are used to in favor of a large interactive map. These changes have thrust Google+ reviews and activity into the spotlight as one of the top ranking factors going forward.

In the following example we searched for Pizza.

The personalization allows users to sort results by: Top Reviewers, Your circles or Top results. As you can see this immediately brings reviews (good and bad) as well as Google+ social interaction into a much more spotlighted position. The businesses that users have +1'd, left a review for, or perhaps are connected with someone who has had interaction with the company will get more exposure to those users. It also includes a local ad directly in the search interface, which is powered by AdWords Express.

Here's what we see when we click directly on one of the local pins within the map.

To be clear, we HIGHLY recommend that you visit http://maps.google.com/preview to explore the new beta-version of Google Maps and start testing out searches for your business and keywords. See who is ranking in which aspect of the interface and what they're doing that you aren't.

Since this interface is still brand new and in flux, we want to give it a bit more time before we pull it apart and publish the top actions you'll need to take to secure as much exposure as possible within the new Google Maps interface. Look for a SEN Feature Article in the coming months that addresses this issue along with yet another update to our Local Search Book.