Google updates local ranking documentation

Google has made several changes to its local ranking documentation. The changes look to simplify the wording on the page, and it is unclear if these wording changes signify any changes to how Google local rankings work.

What changed. If you look at the old document here and compare it to the new document here, you will see that the prominence section was cut down and reworded. Google removed the line about web ranking position in that section. Google also made other changes to the document.

Here is a screenshot of the old and new – click to enlarge:

Why we care. It is unclear if these changes to the documentation mean you should make any changes to your local SEO strategies. Several local SEOs think this is just an update to the documentation and the wording was just simplified.

Joy Hawkins wrote “I think the meaning is still the same. They just worded it better.” Mike Blumenthal agreed with Joy Hawkins saying, “I agree.” William Powell added, “Yes! It’s entirely possible they were just tidying up copy. They still have articles that refer to GBP as GMB.”

Meanwhile, these changes were spotted by OMG National who thinks the changes in the prominence section may be important changes.

It seems like this was just a copy edit and nothing practically is changing here but it is important you review these updates and make those decisions on your own.