Google Local Pack Header Can Show Brands Over Keyword Search

Sep 28, 2021 - 7:41 am 0 by
Filed Under Google Maps

Google Dermatologist

Colan Nielsen noticed the other day that for some local keyword searches, Google will change the local pack header in the keyword spot to a brand name. Colan shared an example, I can replicate it, and said "Google is listing the specific business it thinks I am looking for."

The search was for [dermatologist san diego] and the header, instead of it saying "Dermatologist" like it does for many other local packs for this keyword search, it shows "Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego."

Here is a screenshot that you can click on to enlarge:

click for full size

Clearly, Google for this location and this keyword search thinks you are looking for the Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego and no other Dermatology offices in that region. This is probably an example of where Google can do better but it also shows you that if you have a strong enough brand with your brand having the keyword search in it, Google can show it as the header to the local pack.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

Note: This was pre-written and scheduled to be posted today, I am currently offline for Simchat Torah.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
- YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: February 27, 2026

Feb 27, 2026 - 10:00 am
Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Discover Core Update Done, Search Volatility, Search Serving Bug, AI Prompt Injection, Google Ads, Local & Bing

Feb 27, 2026 - 8:01 am
Google

Videos: Google Search On HTML & Google Ads On Search Experiences

Feb 27, 2026 - 7:51 am
Bing Ads

Microsoft Advertising Rolls Out Self-Service Negative Keyword Lists

Feb 27, 2026 - 7:41 am
Google Ads

Google Ads Text Guidelines Rolling Out To All In AI Max

Feb 27, 2026 - 7:31 am
Google

Google Tests Web Mentions In Retailer Store Pages

Feb 27, 2026 - 7:21 am
 
Previous Story: Google Doesn't Use The Wikipedia WikiProject Spam Reports For Search Spam