Google “Pigeon” Updates Local Search Result Algorithm With Very Stronger Ties To Web search Signal

Google has released a new algorithm to provide a more very useful, and relevant local search results that are tied more intimately to traditional web search ranking signals. The changes will be visible within the Google Maps search results and Google Web search results.

Note: We’ve named this algorithm update the Pigeon update.

The core changes are behind the scenes, but it does impact local search results rankings and some local businesses may notice an increase or decrease in web site referrals, leads and business from the change and etc.

Google told us that the new local search algorithm ties deeper into their web search capability, including the hundreds(100) of ranking signals they use in web search along with searchfeatures such as Knowledge Graph, spelling correction, synonyms and more.

In addition, Google said that this new algorithm improves their distance and location ranking parameters.

The new algorithm is currently rolling out for US English results and aims to provide a more useful and relevant experience for searchers seeking local results. Google didn’t share any details about if and when the update would roll out more widely in other countries and languages.

Google has not commented on the percent of queries impacted by this algorithm update, nor if certain web spam were algorithms deployed in this update.

If you have noticed any ranking changes and referral changes for your local business, please let us know in the comments.