Google Maps Disappearing

justinmarch · #1 8th November 2009, 11:25

Hi Guys

I wonder if a Google Map specialist can help me.

For some time now have been targeting certain phrases with local place names in the Search Engines, have noticed that Google Maps listing are no longer appearing under these phrases as of this weekend.

The searches are "location service" and were coming up until now.

Have checked the same searches within google.co.uk and google.com and signed in and out of my google profile all with the same result.

Have also checked "different location service" and "same location different service" the Google Maps listings are still appearing.

Initially I thought it might be related to talk about Google cracking down on spammy business names and fake locations but I can still see some real howlers when the results do appear.

I was wondering if this is:

- Just a blip the listings will eventaully reappear?
- Due to a lower search volume than usual?
- Due to some other reason?

Thanks in advance.

Justin

Gillie · #2 8th November 2009, 11:42

I had google maps up only last night and it was still happening for me!

justinmarch · #3 8th November 2009, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gillie

I had google maps up only last night and it was still happening for me!

Yes it is appearing under some searches, but some of the ones that where coming up last week are not coming up any more.

I was wondering if this is:

- Just a blip the listings will eventually reappear?
- Due to a lower search volume than usual?
- Due to some other reason?

david64 · #4 8th November 2009, 14:59

I don't pay too much attention to maps, but I have noticed a lot have disaappeared for clients and my own sites. I'd imagine this is temporary as I have seen them come and go in the pst, but it does seem a bit more widespread at the moment. Ali-v8 would be a good person to ask.

I read somewhere that at any one time Google are carrinying out around 200 test. Can't remember where I read that, but you can often see small and large changes in the SERPs.

justinmarch · #5 8th November 2009, 15:10

I am assuming that it's something like that but would like to know for sure as assumptions are the... well you know what I mean...

david64 · #6 8th November 2009, 15:44

Unfortunately it almost always comes down to asumptions when it comes to Google making changes

Alcsl · #7 8th November 2009, 15:47

I'd guess at it being a temporary thing too, but Google really can move the goalposts whenever it wants from the looks of it

*Lexxy* · #8 8th November 2009, 15:52

we've been in the top 3 companies listed on maps for ages for 'our service/town or county', just checked & we're half way down page 2 now!

david64 · #9 8th November 2009, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcsl

I'd guess at it being a temporary thing too, but Google really can move the goalposts whenever it wants from the looks of it

Google (or at least their spokespeople) would say something like: Don't pay too much attentiont to where our goalposts stand. Do as you would otherwise and you will be rewarded.

The problem is that most people are shooting crafted spam through the posts all and thus it doesn't work in many cases

UKSBD · #10 8th November 2009, 16:09

Google seem to be intergrating maps results in to Google Local Business
Centre. They are 2 completely seperate systems with different guidlines.
The only reason I can see them doing it is to make the Local Business
Center look busier and therefore get more people using it.
The more people using the more they will have to tighten up on the Spam
and manipulative listings.