laur.laurix
Elite Member
- May 8, 2013
- 2,063
- 1,871
Finally someone who knows his stuff...thank you. since I started playing with local seo i`ve seen some ways of abusing the knowledge panel that are not even imaginable with other G services. And like u said removing or correcting this spammy listings is a pain in the ass even if u do it through advertisers comunity or G map maker. Again thank you for ur answer.
This is what is known as a knowledge panel.
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The search was on West London Audi. This firm stands out as it has all the keywords in it's business name. As this is how it is portrayed in the real world (the name on the sign above it's door) and on its web site this is within google rules.
If you were to change the search to London Audi then a normal search pack of 2 or 3 businesses will appear. (2 in the case of this search but it may be different from your IP address and location as google factor all that into the returning serp)
Yes firms which have a knowledge panel can be replaced but in this particular case it would be hard work. To get around the KW in the business title this firm uses you would need some strong relevant industry links. In this particular case if you were lucky enough to land a direct link on the Audi motor manufacturer web site that would probably swing it for you but only in so far as your listing appeared in the pack alongside this one.
You are able to report firms which do not follow google rules and kw stuff their business titles via your normal google account. If you do this often and review other places (not in this industry sector) you will gain trust from google and they may action your suggestions automatically. I do and typically go through my own sector reporting inappropriate use of KW and are successful in getting the listings 'cleaned up' (they will never remove them) around 50% of the time.
I wouldn't say the spamming is as bad as it was some years ago just that google is in the process of monetizing local packs for their own gain. On this basis some spammy looking listings have resurrected from the bottom of the list to near the top.
This year 2017 in my niche (accommodation providers) google now take availability of product with partner sites such as Expedia and Laterooms ect as part of the algorithm and will promote the business in the list accordingly. They hope to cream off some income if bookings are made direct from the local packs via the links they provide to places like Expedia.
Just another hurdle we are going to have to plan for and factor in.
Expect monetizing to continue apace as google look to roll it out across as many industry sectors as they can get their fingers in the income pie.