Google Pigeon is an algorithm update released by Google to improve local search results.
The Pigeon update made local search results more accurate and relevant.
It did this by bringing Google’s local search algorithm in line with its main web search algorithm.
What does that mean?
Pigeon essentially changed the way search queries with local intent were handled. Google’s goal was to use the power of its core web algorithm with local search.
The biggest change was how Pigeon enhanced distance and location as ranking factors for local searches.
It meant that Google showed local, relevant websites in the search engine results pages (SERPs) – Rather than generic sites.
Another major shift was from the 7-pack of Google My Business listings to showing just 3.
It is still like that today.
Google Pigeon officially came out on July 24, 2014.
The update initially affected local searches within the United States only.
But within a few months, it was rolled out worldwide.
Google’s local algorithm has received numerous confirmed and unconfirmed updates over time. But Pigeon is the most significant change to Google local search ever and is still used today.
The Google Pigeon update improved local search results by making them more accurate and relevant to users’ locations.
It integrated local search factors with the general web search algorithm, providing more precise and location-based results.
Here are the biggest changes:
The Google Pigeon update brought so pretty big changes to search. The foundation of this update still applies to local search today.
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