Google Updates its Local Search Algorithm

As most of you probably already know, Google updated its local search algorithm in late July 2014.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:

Yelp is Better Ranked — One of the biggest winners in the “Pigeon” update (not its official name) is that the issue of Yelp being unfairly devalued in search results is resolved.
Other Directories Are Boosted — An outgrowth of the previous point is that other directories (e.g. Urbanspoon, OpenTable) are seeing a boost in their search rank as well. For more information, see this post from SearchEngineLand.
No More 7-Pack? — Some keywords (notably real estate keywords) are no longer showing the familiar 7-pack for local results.
Back on the Map: Designers — Web designers and ad agencies are back in local results, according to Mike Blumenthal.
Well-optimized Businesses Are Improved — Businesses that have been following good, tried-and-true SEO practices are seeing gains in their organic search rank and relevance.
Results Are Still Forthcoming — The algorithm change is still too new to be fully explored, and Google’s Search team hasn’t put out any statements or answered any questions yet. If you see some new behaviors, be sure to mention it!