Different rankings when using zip code vs city name?

**bascotie** · Jul 4th, 2011, 08:40 PM

Hi guys,

Using zipcode I rank 1 in google places which is great, but I noticed I rank 3 (with the same top people) when searching "in [city name] instead of in [zip code]".

Any particular reason why it would do this? Google Maps shows the marker in the same location for either one. thanks!

**Lb1878** · Jul 5th, 2011, 09:00 AM

More reviews? More citations? Better overall organic rankings? Better optimized local page?

Typically, proximity to city center wins many battles. All things being equal, as you noted, I would investigate the citations, work on some reviews and see where you can tidy up your local page. Just don't stuff keywords into your title ;-)

Also, your search query is different. If the keywords match better with your competitors pages than yours, of course they will win. I don't run enough zip code queries to provide more feedback. Are your analytics showing that many people are reaching your site via zip code searches? If so, maybe consider using the zip code on your site (footer) if you have not done so.

**bascotie** · Jul 5th, 2011, 11:54 AM

thanks! I guess I'll just try and optimize

**Kathy Long** · Jul 5th, 2011, 03:25 PM

Are you results you are looking at the old 7 pack or the new blended results?

**bascotie** · Jul 5th, 2011, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Kathy Long

Are you results you are looking at the old 7 pack or the new blended results?

Old 7 pack? I'm assuming they would be the new results.

**Lb1878** · Jul 5th, 2011, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by bascotie

Old 7 pack? I'm assuming they would be the new results.

I'm pretty sure she is asking you if the results are showing up in the older format (7 pack) vs the newer format?

**Kathy Long** · Jul 5th, 2011, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Lb1878

I'm pretty sure she is asking you if the results are showing up in the older format (7 pack) vs the newer format?

That's right. The newer format is called "Blended." It relies on SEO on your site. The 7 pack is Place optimization, citations, reviews, that sort of thing.

**indybail** · Jan 16th, 2012, 10:17 AM

A business's local ranking will be higher with a zip code that a city/state query because the zip code more finely tunes the location.

The use of a city/state query will always favor those businesses close to a city's centroid area.

Threads:	453,984
Posts:	1,062,335
Members:	263,721

Developer Shed Network

SEO Chat Login

Menu

Great community. Great ideas.

Thread: Different rankings when using zip code vs city name?