The last few weeks have seen some huge changes within Google Places (also known as Google Maps) that have meant many website owners have had to up their game in terms of their seo efforts.

So, what’s actually happened? Google has started showing the list of Places/Maps results above (and sometimes within)  the organic listings on page one of the “Web” search, so now when searching for something that Google believes is a localised product or service (for example: Plumber or Hairdresser) the results from Google Places will be displayed above or within the organic results.

Previously this would have required a searcher to also include a region within the search (i:e Plumber in London) but technology allows Google to provide the  results local to the searchers location without the need to enter an area or region. It is important to remember this only happens if Google believes the search warrants localised results also being shown.

On top of this, the Places results don’t look much different to standard organic listings (other than a red pin and picture of a map appearing to the left of the listing), meaning many business owners have found themselves going from nowhere, right to the top of Google overnight and webmasters with sites previously at the top of the results have been pushed down by the new style Places results showing above their organic listings.

It is now more important than ever that website owners not only optimise their site but also make sure their Google Places/Maps listings are up to date and accurate.