What is Google Pigeon?

At the end of July, Google made several changes to its local ranking algorithm. Although they have not yet released a name for the algorithm, it has been dubbed by many as ‘Google Pigeon’.

Google Pigeon is the code name given to Google latest local search algorithm update. This update was released on July 24, 2014. The update is aimed to increase the ranking of local listing in a search. The changes will also affect the search results shown in Google Maps along with the Google regular search results.

How can I prepare for Google Pigeon?

There are a number of steps you can take to try and minimize the affect of this algorithm update on your website rankings:

Google Maps / Google+ Local: The first thing we recommend is to ensure that your Google Map listings and Google+ Local listings are as up to date as possible. Make sure that you have claimed all listings associated with your business, that they are 100% accurately filled out and that the map pin is placed at the exact location of your company.

Local Business Directories: Carry out some research into all major local directories that you could list your business with. Claim any existing listings or create new listings, and optimize them as well as you can.

Optimized Website: Ensure that you have a high quality website associated with your business, which is completely optimized for a variety of local search terms. It should contain high quality, original content and be well built.

QualityBacklink Profile: Having a high quality backlink profile can help strengthen your website’s authority within Google and similar search engines. Having backlinks from the aforementioned local business directories pointing to location specific pages within your website will help with this.

Updated Contact Information: Ensure that all contact information, whether it be your address, telephone number, website address, email address etc, are up to date across all websites and directory listings. Make sure that this information is consistent throughout.