We keep trying to uncover more and more details on the Google Maps algorithms. Most recently we wrote about how Google Maps determines which POI to show at which zoom levels. Today, I spotted a thread at the Google Places Help thread with a Googler commenting on a ranking factor, or lack there of.
Google's Jeremy Sussman, of the Google Maps team, wrote:
The places algorithm does not use domain to determine place. Your business address, your service area, etc., are used to place you on the map and answer queries for services in a given area. So, register where you will. But, as Donnie said, don't try to trick us -- we are very hard to trick. ;-)
It is rare to see Google talk specifically about ranking or non-ranking factors. But Google here makes it clear they do not use the domain name of the business to determine the location of the business in Google Maps. They do use address, service area and "etc."
Most of this is not too revealing but he did comment specifically on a ranking factor not used. So using having newyorkflorist.com may not help your ranking efforts in Google Maps, it may help you rank in Google Web Search.
Forum discussion at Google Places Help.
