Google has announced that your algorithm update for local results started on November 30th has been completed. Since December 6, brands have seen changes in Google searches, something that has set off alarms, because it is not normal that so many factors are affected with an update.
Is update on local SERPs has been bigger than Hawk’s in 2017. Although in 2019 it seems that Google tried to execute an update, it ended up being a simple error and the algorithms returned to their original format. Not like this time.
What does this algorithm update include?
As Google shared on Twitter, the guidelines for companies that want to appear in proximity searches are very similar to those that existed until now.
However, in the same thread where the update was announced, several comments can already be read complaining about the algorithm. People denounce that searches are done in a specific area and are left out to the suburbs or to businesses that were previously very well positioned appear last.
This update has mainly affected the indexing of proximity searches, collaterally affecting aspects such as the impact of keywords on the name of the company. Although, many more companies can now be seen than before, allowing for greater variety.
The Web Sterlingsky has analyzed some searches to determine what has changed. One of the main differences they have observed is the improvement of the position in the companies that have keywords in their name, while the companies that do not have any keywords in their name have seen a decrease in their position within the searches. Businesses that don’t have a keyword in their name and have SEO worked have been able to avoid the downfall.