Comments on: Why You Won’t Recognize Google Local Listings in a Year: Home Services Ads Explained by Bruce Clay

By: Tim Colling

Tim Colling — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 00:16:05 +0000

In some ways, it’s surprising that it has taken Google this long to monetize the “local” search index like this. This will lead to more expense for our clients, but it’s Google’s house so Google gets to set the house rules.

By: Matt LaClear

Matt LaClear — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 21:52:41 +0000

Great post Bruce, I always appreciate your insight. In your opinion what should local SEO agencies begin doing to prepare for this change?

By: Mark Scheets

Mark Scheets — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 14:33:53 +0000

This was a very good write up, Bruce. The agency I work for strictly does Local SEO / PPC work for home service industry clients (home insulation, basement waterproofing, HVAC), so we have been trying to keep a close eye on this. Most of our clients are in the Midwest and Eastern part of the country, but there’s no question this will be rolled out nationwide.

By: Andrew Doyle

Andrew Doyle — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:18:36 +0000

To be honest, I’m surprised it has taken Google this long to capitalise on their maps listings, especially as it probably the most commonly manipulated property by SEOs.

The only issue I see with this is that if a business is listed (through paid methods) in the maps section and is given preference over a more conveniently located business to the search user’s location, it does pull the user experience down.

My clients currently get a lot of business through cleanly-optimised listings where we’ve gone through a lot of effort to boost their reviews. I would hate for the maps listing to become seen as “spammy” in the same way that some view AdWords ads.

By: Ankit Kumar

Ankit Kumar — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 06:24:52 +0000

I applied for local listing a few days ago then google sent 4 digit PIN to my defined address after verifying it my business is listed in google search engine and map also.
But after 1 week I see that google has removed it automatically without any notice :(

If you know any reason then can you please share it with me ? So that I’ll take this next time.

By: ardie cash

ardie cash — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 08:13:05 +0000

I do agree that “Paid Inclusion” is a reality and Google will increase it’s bottom line with this new offer in 2017. It’s only a matter of time before it rolls out for all local businesses throughout North America.

By: Toby

Toby — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 06:00:35 +0000

It’s so pay to play now, not even funny. Will be interesting to see where things go though!

By: ViewpointOklahoma

ViewpointOklahoma — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 00:53:49 +0000

Me Personally I probably won’t be using home services ads from google lately I am focusing in SEO and finding it to be rewarding if you racked in the map pack. We are currently ranking on top for several keywords simply by adding citations with are NAP on all of them also adding reviews by our customers seem to help as well. I truly belief anybody looking to compete in the future should take the advice above stating in the article great post!