Almost 6 months ago I was requested by a local client to get them listed (or rather improve their listings) in Google Maps and Yahoo local.
I made a series of changes to the listing, helped them get their reviews improved, modified their business categories. On Yahoo the results showed up within a week.
On Google however the local listing was mired on page two and despite many of the same changes, didn’t go anywhere. This past Sunday, the listing has moved to the number one spot on the Google search page.
This raises several questions but the obvious one is: Does Google Maps have a Sandbox?
It would seem likely that they do. But the question that I have is: Is this just a function of their data update cycle or is it a more formal protocol that they follow.
Over the 6 month period, I had noticed that the reviews from citysearch.com that seemed to influence the standing on this listing were updated on Google. Now the aggregate star rating has been updated although Google Maps still quotes an older 3 star star review.
[...] His latest asks Does Google Maps have a sandbox? [...]
Pingback by New Blog on Local Search » SEO by the SEA — September 26, 2006 @ 11:52 am
Great site. I look forward to reading what you have to say on optimization for local searches. This is a field that will surely grow with the boom of handheld devices.
Comment by Raffi — September 26, 2006 @ 12:49 pm
[...] ”Does Google Maps have a sandbox? (via: SEO by the SEA ) [...]
Pingback by That Girl From Marketing » Social Media Smorgasboard: Verizon’s No-Holds-Barred Blog, Creative for Social Networks,Viral Campaigns Ain’t Cheap & & Brand Sirens — September 27, 2006 @ 12:10 pm
[...] Maps. It was not yet in the OneBox but there is every indication that the OneBox has some sort of waiting period before it ranks Maps [...]
Pingback by Understanding Google Maps & Yahoo Local Search » Where does a Psychic turn when they need an answer? Google Maps | Developing Knowledge about Local Search — February 7, 2008 @ 1:36 am
Hey Mike!
Very informative blog on local, nice to have this avenue to learn.
I say there is a definite sandbox effect, I submitted a new home contractor and completed the verification process, there was his site, and I come to work this AM and now it’s gone.
Comment by David Thurman — March 6, 2008 @ 9:57 am