Google Search results changed for keywords with locations.

Hi all,
I just noticed a big difference in Google search result page yesterday. Let me explain you.

Almost all my keywords will have some locations like Irvine, California, New York and so many.

I have my site listed in the first page dancing between 3rd and 8th positions.

But yesterday I noticed that, when I Google search my keyword - xxxxxxx in california or keywords with some other location, the first page was occupied by many new sites who have already listed in Google maps. I have not added my site in Google maps yet, so I am pushed back to the second page for such keywords.

Another point to be noted is that we get such Google maps listing only in the first page and not in 2nd or 3rd or any other page.

1. Is that the way Google is gonna continue or this is a trial?
2. Is it a something like ethical cheat by giving priority only to the sites listed in Google maps?

Pls share your thoughts.

Note: The location I used here is just an example. They are not the exact locations I use in my keywords.

Cheers
Steve.

It clearly indicates google still playing with algorithm no doubt we might expect few more changes in coming days

Google is obviously no longer separating local search and normal search results.

I suppose the upshot of this is that there will be even more emphasis on "Google Local" than before.

It is not on all keywords, just some of the most popular it seems. It also does not seem to matter if you put a location in the search, because it produces these results without it on some search terms.

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies so far.

I would like to have some one share a similar kinda experience in SERP. That would help us to get a clear picture and we shall start our site optimization on right direction.

Cheers
Steve.

This might be due to some change in Google algorithms, Your website will be there itself, this is Google dance I think.

This has been going on for a few days now, it seems that Google is giving priority to their local map listings, in some cases it's just a standard map listing at the top, in other cases they are presenting them as proper listings.

It does appear to be only the type of companies who do actually work locally so far, such as builders, taxis and accountants, where other types of business which aren't really tied to a region are not getting these kind of results.

It could be a bit of a game changer though.

Google Places has a service where you can pay to have a Google local listing (search for skateboards in houston). In my opinion to make money from these listing, Google is now displaying full local ads on the first page. This will increase the competition and soon a race will start to get ones local listing on first page for local keywords. As their will be no or less organic search listings with local keywords so people will focus on paid listing to get their business on top. Thus, Google will start making money from Paid Local Listings as that of Adwords.

Searchengineland tried to explain about paid listings and unpaid listing in the following post:
Google Blurs The Line Between Paid & Unpaid Results Again

Google is updating algorithm on basis of CTR. This is my guess. I have similar problem with Google Result for Office Chairs Keyword.

Basically, If some one will search office chairs keyword in Google so, It may be search for local store or go to shopping result to compare price. If Google will not add Shopping result or Local result on first page so, people may be click on left section.

I guess: Google is also focusing on CTR on first page. Where people click after search. If some one will search XYZ keyword & CTR will increase on shopping link [on left section] so, Google will add Shopping result to first page.

I also eager to read more inputs regarding it.