Google’s New 3 Pack for Local Listings
Google seems to have rolled out a new look and layout for local listings and cut the 7 pack down to a 3 pack.
The last few months or so I’ve noticed Google has been experimenting with a different look and layout for local listings. It now seems they have rolled this out across the board. 
Compare and contrast the screenshots below. The 1st screenshot below is how the local results where recently displayed, the remainder show the new 3 pack style.
A Local Search for ‘Web Design’
A Local Search for ‘Wedding Photographer’
A Local Search for ‘Dentists Belfast’
The results for ‘chip shops Belfast’ is a slight variation of the new layout. It’s a 3 pack result, though has a picture rather than the directions and website links. None of the listings have websites.
It’s also noticeable that the Google+ link has disappeared. So why the change? My money is on making room for paid local listings and testing out a new layout for this. The tweet from @dr_pete backs this up and as he suggests it’s a ‘potential game changer’. Watch this space.
New paid local entity in testing on Google last night (search for "plumbers") – potential game-changer, IMO — pic.twitter.com/ehlLfs9MOw
— Dr. Pete Meyers (@dr_pete) July 29, 2015
Also, if you were in the 7 pack, but no longer feature, you may need to consider Google Adwords to make up any traffic shortfalls. Job done Google!
