Apr262007
Google Local OneBox Found In Middle Of Results Page
I was performing some local searches on Google when I came across this new SERP layout:
(Click on image to enlarge)
As you can see, the OneBox appears in the middle of the results and it’s not the expandable/collapsible PlusBox. Other local searches still produce the more familar SERP with the local OneBox at the top:
(Click on image to enlarge)
Aside from the OneBox results, there are only 7 organic results… whereas, previously, I’m pretty sure there was the standard amount of 10.
I think it looks pretty weird and obtrusive with the OneBox in the middle, though it’s better for those in the top 3 whose listings were being pushed down by the OneBox. What do you think?
Check it!
—kid disco
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10 pimp-style comments, so far... 
Leave a pimp-style comment, yo!
May 4 2007 @ 6:10 pm
Now thats something i did not had seen. I will try later to do some searches (most probably geo searches) and see if i can end up in such map-box. It is most probably an available option for the AdWords advertisers, or at least, thats what i believe.
May 6 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Hey Astrit! Thanks for stopping by.
The local result found in the middle of the natural results shouldn’t have anything to do with AdWords. It’s just Google testing out another SERP layout.
May 10 2007 @ 12:25 pm
A friend of mine pointed out a similar occurrence to me but with Google’s News box. The box was placed in the middle of the page just like the OneBox in your example.
I did the same search just now and saw the News box at the bottom of the page. Maybe some kind of glitch or testing?
May 10 2007 @ 2:06 pm
Sup Adam! Yeah… Google started integrating the news results into the organic results just a few weeks ago. Personally, I think it’s kind of weird and preferred the news in the OneBox.
http://searchengineland.com/070419-150004.php
May 10 2007 @ 7:20 pm
Hey Kid Disco – great find.
Interesting how the Google Onebox appeared in the middle of the page. Google are definately testing to see what works best.
In my opinion the idea of providing local map results in organic results for local searches is a great idea as it instantly provides the user with the relevant information they want.
May 16 2007 @ 2:21 am
I think Google are playing about with the search interface at the moment but whatever they are trying out, it can only mean better results for the user so in turn us SEO’s may need to change our strategys somewhat.
March 29 2008 @ 12:16 am
The reason why, in the second query, the local listings are lower is it because of the stronger relevancy for the first listings in the first query?
March 29 2008 @ 8:47 am
@Mark – That’s what I would think. Though, at the time I captured those SERPs, Google was in the middle of testing things.
March 29 2008 @ 8:52 am
Judging on the sitelinks available for the first listing it would make sense.
Thanks