Good morning search marketers, how have UI changes impacted your local SEO?
This is Associate Editor George Nguyen here, just popping in to say hello and taking over today's newsletter for our Editor-in-Chief, Ginny. It's great to be back in your inbox, so let's get to it.
Google has been spotted testing a new design for the local pack on mobile. The new look retains the map preview at the top of the interface, but includes an ad in the first position below the map, followed by a carousel of additional, organic results. Meanwhile, the paid listing at the top is not scrollable. If Google decides to fully roll out this redesign, it'll be interesting to see how it impacts local businesses that advertise – as well as the ones that don't. If you suspect it'll change the way you conduct your local SEO or SEM, let me know how – I'm gnguyen@thirddoormedia.com or @geochingu on Twitter.
Last July, the European Commission made an antitrust ruling against Google and fined the company roughly $5 billion. As part of that ruling, Google will be introducing a new search engine "choice screen" in 2020 for Android users in Europe. When users initially set up their devices, they'll be prompted to select a default search engine and presented with a number of options, with their selection getting implemented in Chrome and on the home screen search box.
The criteria for inclusion on the default search engine selection screen is raising eyebrows. In addition to some standard eligibility rules (such as supporting the local language), search engines must also bid to be presented as a default option and "Pay each time a user selects them from the choice screen in the given country." Google says it's a fair and objective process, but some search engines, such as Ecosia, a non-profit that uses its revenue to plant trees in areas affected by deforestation, may find themselves out of luck. Naturally, Google will still be one of the options presented. The EC may intervene with the process, but that remains to be seen – along with the long-term impact it may have on Google's share of the mobile search market.
Don't go anywhere – we've got a Pro Tip on reformatting your content for more relevancy, as well as your daily Search Shorts and more.
George Nguyen
Associate Editor
@geochingu
