In the month of July, Google shook up the animal barrel once again, and the world was hit with a…Pigeon? Well, actually, I guess the pigeon has been hitting the world, but don’t let the name fool you: this algorithm change certainly isn’t for the birds!
Coming Down Is the Hardest Thing
The biggest change in July came from Google’s “Pigeon” algorithm change. Unofficially named by Search Engine Land, the name has been hard to scrape off and has left behind a number of droppings on many sites’ local listings.
So what do you need to know? Well, this algorithm has set out to change local search results, and tie them more closely to traditional web search ranking signals. So what does this mean for you? Basically, if you were floating by solely on your local ranking, but weren’t paying much attention to your organic ranking, you have probably been hit hard.
How Do I Know if I’ve Been Nailed by the Pigeon?
Have you noticed ranking or referral changes for your local business? This is all part of the Pigeon update.
Local packs have also been affected. The disappearance of 7-packs and increase in 3-packs is prevalent throughout local results.
The Pigeon algorithm change has also provided better visibility for local directory sites, like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Urban Spoon. These directory-style sites are making out like bandits, which makes sense since this update ties local results more closely to standard web ranking signals. However, small businesses with weaker SEO signals are finding their once precious local listings no more.
Local search has just gotten a lot more difficult, folks.
“…the good ol' days may not return. And the rocks might melt and the sea may burn.”
Learning to Fly Around the Clouds
If you’re still determined to fly with the eagles, it’s possible, but you need to give it more than just a running start.
With education on your side, you can soar through even the most turbulent skies.
Here at Foster Web Marketing, we aim to arm you with everything you need to know to be successful on your journey. Whether you’re interested in social media, SEO, content marketing, or just want to make sure you don’t crash your site, we can help.
Want to know how? Luckily for you, we have just what you’re looking for:
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