The Pigeon Update: What You Need to Know
The Google Pigeon update was a significant change to Google’s local search algorithm that was released in July 2014. The update was designed to improve the quality of local search results by taking into account a wider range of factors, including location, proximity, and business reviews.
The Pigeon update had a significant impact on local businesses, with some businesses seeing their search rankings improve and others seeing their rankings decline. In order to improve their rankings, businesses need to make sure that their online presence is accurate and up-to-date. This includes having a well-designed website, complete business listings on Google My Business, and positive reviews from customers.
Here are some of the key changes that were made to Google’s local search algorithm as part of the Pigeon update:
- Location: The Pigeon update took into account a wider range of factors when determining a business’s location, including the business’s address, phone number, and website. This made it more difficult for businesses to manipulate their location in order to improve their search rankings.
- Proximity: The Pigeon update also took into account the proximity of a business to a user’s location when determining the business’s ranking. This meant that businesses that were closer to a user were more likely to appear higher in the search results.
- Business reviews: The Pigeon update also gave more weight to business reviews when determining a business’s ranking. This meant that businesses with positive reviews were more likely to appear higher in the search results.
The Pigeon update was a significant change to Google’s local search algorithm that had a major impact on local businesses. Businesses that want to improve their search rankings need to make sure that their online presence is accurate and up-to-date. This includes having a well-designed website, complete business listings on Google My Business, and positive reviews from customers.
How the Pigeon Update Impacted Local Businesses
The Pigeon update had a significant impact on local businesses, with some businesses seeing their search rankings improve and others seeing their rankings decline. The impact of the update varied depending on a number of factors, including the business’s location, the quality of its online presence, and the number of positive reviews it had received.
Businesses that were located in areas with a high concentration of businesses were more likely to see their search rankings improve as a result of the Pigeon update. This is because the update took into account the proximity of a business to a user’s location when determining the business’s ranking. Businesses that were located in areas with a low concentration of businesses were less likely to see their search rankings improve.
The quality of a business’s online presence also played a role in how the Pigeon update impacted its search rankings. Businesses with well-designed websites, complete business listings on Google My Business, and positive reviews were more likely to see their search rankings improve. Businesses with poorly designed websites, incomplete business listings, or negative reviews were less likely to see their search rankings improve.
The number of positive reviews a business had received also played a role in how the Pigeon update impacted its search rankings. Businesses with a high number of positive reviews were more likely to see their search rankings improve. Businesses with a low number of positive reviews were less likely to see their search rankings improve.
How Local Businesses Can Improve Their Search Rankings
Businesses that want to improve their search rankings in light of the Pigeon update need to make sure that their online presence is accurate and up-to-date. This includes having a well-designed website, complete business listings on Google My Business, and positive reviews from customers.
Here are some specific tips for businesses that want to improve their search rankings:
- Make sure your website is well-designed and easy to use. Your website should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. It should also be mobile-friendly, as more and more people are using their smartphones and tablets to search for businesses.
- Complete your business listings on Google My Business. Google My Business is a free service that allows businesses to create a listing that appears in Google Search and Maps. Be sure to complete all of the information in your listing, including your address, phone number, website, and hours of operation.
- Get positive reviews from customers. Positive reviews are a great way to improve your search rankings. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your website, Google My Business, and other review sites.
By following these tips, businesses can improve their chances of appearing higher in Google’s local search results. This can lead to more customers and increased sales.
How to Get Your Business Ready for the Pigeon Update
The Pigeon update is a significant change to Google’s local search algorithm that was released in July 2014. The update was designed to improve the quality of local search results by taking into account a wider range of factors, including location, proximity, and business reviews.
If you are a local business, you can take steps to improve your chances of appearing higher in Google’s local search results by following these tips:
- Optimize your website for local search. This includes using relevant keywords and phrases on your website, as well as creating a Google My Business listing.
- Get positive reviews from customers. Positive reviews are a great way to improve your search rankings. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your website, Google My Business, and other review sites.
- Keep your information up-to-date. Make sure your website, Google My Business listing, and other online profiles are up-to-date with your latest information, such as your address, phone number, and hours of operation.
- Use social media. Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and build brand awareness. Make sure you are using social media to promote your business and share relevant content.
- Be patient. The Pigeon update is a long-term process. It may take some time to see the results of your efforts. However, if you continue to optimize your website and online presence, you will eventually see your search rankings improve.
Here are some additional tips on how to get your business ready for the Pigeon update:
- Use Google My Business. Google My Business is a free service that allows businesses to create a listing that appears in Google Search and Maps. Be sure to complete all of the information in your listing, including your address, phone number, website, and hours of operation.
- Claim your Google My Business listing. If you don’t already have a Google My Business listing, you can claim it by going to Google My Business and entering your business’s information.
- Verify your Google My Business listing. Once you have claimed your Google My Business listing, you will need to verify it by following the instructions that Google provides.
- Update your Google My Business listing regularly. Make sure your Google My Business listing is up-to-date with your latest information, such as your address, phone number, hours of operation, and website.
- Get positive reviews on Google My Business. Positive reviews on Google My Business are a great way to improve your search rankings. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing.
- Optimize your website for mobile. More and more people are using their smartphones and tablets to search for businesses. Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices.
- Use relevant keywords and phrases on your website. When you are creating content for your website, be sure to use relevant keywords and phrases that people are likely to use when searching for businesses like yours.
- Create high-quality content. The content on your website should be high-quality and informative. This will help to attract visitors and improve your search rankings.
- Build links to your website. Links from other websites to your website can help to improve your search rankings. You can build links by guest blogging, participating in forums, and submitting your website to directories.
- Be patient. It takes time to improve your search rankings. Don’t expect to see results overnight. Just keep working hard and you will eventually see your rankings improve.