Google launched yet another major shakeup with what many are calling the “Pigeon Update”. The update focused on the algorithm that governs the map results or 7 pack .
The Pigeon update made organic SEO signals a bigger part of the map algorithm. Thus a lawyer that had a strong organic presence but not a strong map presence, will now have a much better chance of showing up in the maps. Conversely, someone who had a strong map presence, but a weak organic presence likely saw a drop in the map rankings. For example in San Diego www.yelman.com had been the top ranked organic result for some time for “San Diego Family Lawyer” yet had never been featured in the maps. After Pigeon, she is now the top result in the maps as well.
Here is a nother great example. In Nashville, our client Phillip Miller had the top ranked site for “Nashville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer” in the organic results and was never featured in the maps. Now, after Pigeon, he is also number one in the maps as well.
This of course is a further blow to anyone who engaged in bad link practices. For many clients hurt by Penguin, their continued strong map presence was often their saving grace. But this is very good news for any attorney who is engaged in quality SEO practices.