Blended Local Results with Unverified Listings by Eric Lander digs deep into a GrayWolf question about Google Maps plus signs in web search (from a while back actually). But something I did not know was, according to Eric, Google only showed verified listings in the Google search results.
As Eric explained, a search for sushi santa clara not only brings up verified listings but also non-verified listings. Honestly, as I write this, I am fairly confident Google has always shown un-verified listings. I mean, I am conducting searches right now for sites and businesses and noticing the plus signs for unverified listings. Maybe this is a new thing like Eric said but I am honestly not sure. Eric watches the local niche space much closer than me. So, now, Google is showing unverified Google Local listings in Web search as plus signs.
Another interesting thing Eric noticed was that for sushi santa clara there were 10 local results at the top (like Google is doing now) and also four results with the plus sign feature.
The theme, local results are huge in web search - so get there if you are not there now.
Also, sorry for being all over the place with this write up - I was going to edit it, but I thought some might like this style???
Forum discussion at Sphinn.
