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Google Updates Maps Results In Web Search

Google has changed how they display the large map result for a single listing in web search. First covered by Mike Blumenthal, the OneBox map result has some minor changes but at the same time can have a large impact on your search referrals from Google.

The example I gave was for a search on [General Patent Corporation International 10901]. The new look shows the web page of the OneBox above the OneBox. Then you will also notice more changes to the OneBox itself. The changes include that the “more information” link was changed to “place page,” also there is an additional ballon/marker on the list and when you click on the result, it takes you to the Google Places Page for the result, instead of the listing’s web page.

Here is a picture of the new layout:

Google Maps OneBox Design

Plus, Google won’t show the reviews unless it meets certain criteria. I suspect it is similar to the review requirements of merchant ratings, but probably less reviews are required here.

It is too early to say if this is a good thing for webmasters in terms of more or less clicks to their web sites. But I suspect Google cares more about the results working better for searchers.

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About the author

Barry Schwartz
Barry Schwartz is a technologist and a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land and a member of the programming team for SMX events. He owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics.

In 2019, Barry was awarded the Outstanding Community Services Award from Search Engine Land, in 2018 he was awarded the US Search Awards the "US Search Personality Of The Year," you can learn more over here and in 2023 he was listed as a top 50 most influential PPCer by Marketing O'Clock.

Barry can be followed on X here and you can learn more about Barry Schwartz over here or on his personal site.