[...] the results seemed to exclude traditional organic search
results, and that the page appeared dominated by organic
results from Google Maps.
Boudreaux also noted that the sticky map appeared to disadvantage
paid search results appearing below the third slot, which disappeared
behind the map as users scrolled down the page.
In reaction to Boudreaux’s remark regarding the (possible) exclusion
of traditional organic search results in the SERPs, Blumenthal clarified
that:
Google is not replacing organic results with local results.
Rather they are merging the Local and Organic results and
showing the exact same number of total listings on the
page.
Some local listings though that previously had 2 listings, one
local and one organic, now get only 1 consolidated and
enhanced listing and only one link to their site.
If the listing currently has a higher local result than its
organic listing, the listing typically moved up in the overall
ranking of the new display. If the listing had no local
presence in the current display, then it moved down the
page.
If the Local listing was strong but the website had very low
organic visibility then the listing would move down in
rankings slightly. Thus the local listings that performed best
were those with both good local ranking AND good organic
rankings.
In addition, Blumenthal noted that directory sites, while remaining
visible, moved down the page (e.g., Expedia, TripAdvisor, and
HotelGuides main listings all dropped).
