Change in Google local ranking

[SoleGraphics]

So we have a WA construction client that we're working on doing some local SEO stuff. This month all the keywords that we're tracking but one is on the first page. It's easy to say "yay, we're so damn good at what we do", but it seems like there must have been a shift in the way google is ranking local results. Anyone else experiencing this??

[LesleyPaone]

I did read an article today about a different Panda algorithm coming out this month that has skewed some search results. It could be related... http://www.hmtweb.com/marketing-blog/google-algorithm-updates-february-2014/

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Solegraphics,

Did you have more details to provide about what you're experiencing? It doesn't sound like you've experienced any type of ranking failure, but are more concerned about some change on Google's part. If that's correct, what change do you suspect? What are you seeing that causes you to think something has changed? The more details you can provide, the better the answers you will receive from the community.

[SoleGraphics]

We took on a small construction client and have been building up their site slowly for the past 6 months, doing no manual link building. We did however do a comprehensive clean up of their local SEO listing stuff, and best practices on site markup as well as adding content.

This month we noticed a huge jump in SERPs, page one to be exact and all within the top 5 for 30 high value KW/phrases. They dominate their market which is awesome, however we're trying to see if its something others are experienceing as well. Is Google playng catch up in the local markets? Or did we just do a kick ass job and now we can pat ourselves on the back?

[MiriamEllis]

Hi SoleGraphics,

Thanks for the additional detail. I have not come across any reports of a massive ranking jump being a general thing. On the other hand, people are probably much more likely to report a loss instead of gain, right? Sounds to me like you are deserving of a pat on the back. Well done!

[SoleGraphics]

Yes, in the great world of marketing we all know that a negative experience gets amplified far more often and to a greater extent than positive ones. I guess we'll take this one as a win and see how the rankings hold. Thanks for your responses!