Google’s local algorithm update, “Pigeon,” took flight around July 24, 2014, affecting U.S. English queries. Local businesses have been scrambling to adjust, as some deal with the fact that they’re no longer showing in the seven-pack local results at all.
Indeed, some are referring to Pigeon as the biggest Google update to the local search results since the Venice update in 2012. Google said the latest update would make local search more closely mimic traditional organic rankings.
Early reports showed consistent feedback that specific queries and sectors had been impacted, like real estate, and that directories were now being favored in the results above local businesses (possibly due to the authority of a directory site like Yelp over a local business’s site).
Source: Searchenginewatch
