Today while doing some research for a client something very strange appeared on my screen, something that I haven't seen before:
Google Local Listings showing up in a different place on the search engine results page.
They showed up part way down the page!
I've never seen this before , Google shuffling different elements of the page, and it looks like Google is experimenting with where they are placing different features again (see graphic below):
(1) Sponsored Listings (top of page) - these people show up at the top of the page, in the header area, because they are top bidders using Adwords pay-per-click. If you want to show up there just bid higher and you'll knock someone down into...
(2) Sponsored Listings (right column) - more sponsored listings (advertising) for those who are not bidding as high, per-click, as someone else.
(3) The actual "organic" results or "free" listings (that everyone wants and you get using a comprehensive search engine optimization strategy).
(4) Local listings - usually just below #1, but before the organic listings. I'm haven't seen them here before.
This could have been some type of browser issue, or temporary Google-glitch, but I doubt it.
More likely, it's Google playing around with their layout and presentation and watching how it impacts what people click on and how they use Google.
Bottom line: So what does this mean to you?
It means the value of ORGANIC listings, and all that search engine optimization you've been working on, is being diluted as it becomes harder and harder to find the organic listings on a results page (I have talked about this before, when the Local Listings were first introduced).
It means putting all your effort into search engine "optimization" is a losing strategy in the long-term. The correct strategy is to combine search engine optimization, search engine marketing (PPC), link building, email marketing, and stategic advertising buys - as your traffic building stategy.
Is it still worth optimizing for Google (and other search engines)?
Absolutely.
Trust me, your (smart) competitors are optimizing for Google and as long as they are it almost forces you to play in that game.
On top of that, having a top ranked website at Google is just like having a money tree in your back yard.
If you don't know how to get your website top ranked at Google it's time to get that knowledge and information and start an aggressive search engine optimization program.
Waiting only puts you further behind. These days, it's taking six to twelve months to get a site into the top 10, if not longer - if you do everything correctly.
Chris Jaeger
Book More Weddings
http://www.bookmoreweddings.com/
Get the ADVANTAGE for your website. More traffic, more brides, more inquiries, more sales.
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