Digital Marketing

7 Local Search Updates By Google

January 31, 2023

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Google is always rolling out multiple updates, sometimes core ones that disrupt the entire SEO industry. At its annual Search On virtual conference last year, they had announced seven local updates related to local search.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each. 

Google Local Search Algorithm

Google’s local search algorithm uses a combination of factors to determine the relevance and prominence of local business listings in search results. Some of these factors include the relevance, distance, and prominence of the business. 

It also uses reviews, ratings, and user engagement to rank the business in the search results. Additionally, Google has been focusing on providing more information, such as opening hours, services, and prices on the search results to help users make informed decisions.

The recent local search updates are based on this and have given searchers a plethora of features and capabilities. 

What are the 7 Google Local Search Updates?

The local search changes rolling out include:

  • Search for restaurants by dish
  • Discover restaurant specialties
  • More support for digital menus
  • Enhancements to Google Maps’ Live View
  • Aerial views of famous landmarks
  • Immersive view
  • Neighborhood vibe checks
  1. Search For Restaurants By Dish

Google has rolled out a new feature where you can search local places that serve a specific dish. This new search experience will help you to find your favourite food locally, by entering a query and receiving a list of restaurants that offer it. 

For example, you could search for “Biriyani” and Google will return is a list of restaurants that offer Biriyani.

  1. Discover Restaurant Specialties

This new feature is aimed at helping searchers evaluate restaurants and see what makes each of them different. This is done using a machine learning model to analyze images and reviews to find what a particular place unique. 

  1. More Support For Digital Menus

Google is broadening their coverage of digital menus while also improving them with better visuals and keeping them reliable. According to the search engine giant, it will showcase the most popular dishes and display multiple dietary options, including vegan and non-veg. 

  1. Enhancements To Live View In Google Maps

Google is enhancing a feature called Live View that it first introduced three years ago. This feature allows users to navigate directions by viewing through the camera of their phone. In the near future, users will also be able to search for nearby places and things using this feature.

  1. Aerial Views Of Landmarks

This feature has helped Google add over 250 photorealistic aerial views of global landmarks since the local update. 

  1. Immersive View

This cool feature allows you to see beyond street view and, instead, takes you inside buildings and other establishments. Additionally, it will show you how busy the place will be and what the weather will be like at a given time and date. 

  1. Vibe Check The Neighborhood

Google Maps is introducing a new feature called “neighborhood vibe” that will give users an idea of the atmosphere of an area before they visit. The feature will showcase new places, popular spots, and things to explore in the area. Users will also be able to view photos and information contributed by the Google Maps community while they browse the neighborhood.

Conclusion

Google’s local search algorithm is constantly evolving and updating. These updates aim to provide the most relevant and useful information to users, helping them find the best local businesses and places.

The recent updates from Google focus on providing more information, such as opening hours, services, and prices, as well as highlighting new places, popular spots, and things to explore in an area. With these updates, Google is making it easier for users to find what they are looking for and for businesses to be found by potential customers. 

It’s important for businesses to stay updated on these changes and to optimize their online presence accordingly. By staying on top of these updates and utilizing them to their advantage, businesses can improve their visibility and reach more customers.

Thanks For Reading !

Author - Rithik Valsan

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