New Local Search Layout on Google SERPs
Google has apparently just introduced a new display template for their search results for "business name + city" searches. For example, a search for "Le Papillon San Jose" provides this at the top of the SERP:
This new display includes: a good-size map, the business's website, the address + phone number, 5 star ratings, and a Directions link. I'm guessing the rating stars are based off of the averaged positive/negative value assigned based on the other sites they've found which reviewed the business.
Some listings also have a "More local results" link at the bottom which goes over to the Google Maps interface results for the same business name.
This new template doesn't seem to occur when Google has multiple matching businesses for the search, such as if you searched for "McDonald's Dallas".


Interesting. It seems to be
Interesting. It seems to be US only at present, though I wait with baited breath for it to hit the rest of the world
I predict a sharp increase
I predict a sharp increase in review spam over the next year (or month).
or week :D
or week :D
Snap
An ongoing conversation on this at SEW:
http://forums.searchenginewatch.com/showthread.php?t=12693