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LOCAL RANKINGS WITH PBN MAP EMBEDS

03.31.2024

COMPLETED

RECENT UPDATES

02/27/2024

First Movement

First observed movement on anchor text used for CID URL links

03/03/2024

All Terms Impacted

All CID anchor text and have shown some impact since starting the test.

03/17/2024

Term Fluctuations

Observed minor rankings lost for some previous terms we had started to show.

03/28/2024

Final Snapshot

Massive Geo-Grids as of March 24th Across the Board for "Contractor" Terms Including Longtail

03/31/2024

Theory

Final Conclusions

08/06/2024

Test Timeline, Overview & Visuals

Download the visual recap for the entire timeline, updates, screenshots, and more.

LOCAL SAB TEST

02.14.2024

Tier Linking

We hypothesize that the Google maps algorithm can be influenced by using Google Business Profile map embeds, NAP and anchor text backlinks, to influence rankings in maps for target terms or related terms. When believe the ranking fluctuations will be impacted by various on-page elements where the map references are placed.

Today we’re going to review the PBN map embeds test where we explore the hypothesis that integrating map references—be it embeds, links, NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) references—with relevant content can influence rankings for a listing. The idea is that the content, placement of map embeds, backlinks, and anchor text all contribute to ranking movements. This wasn’t a single variable test; we looked at several factors simultaneously.

The main focus was on optimizing a Google My Business (GMB) listing. We started with a new listing, Solar Energy CT, which was connected to a website. The website wasn’t extensive, featuring about five pages, which included services like roof repair and replacement. Despite its size, we anticipated it would impact rankings, based on our experience from previous tests, especially since it contained keywords related to renewable energy.

In addition to the website, we executed our PBN map embeds service, which included NAP mentions and tiered links. Our strategy wasn’t limited to PBN map embeds; we also explored the synergy between map embeds and backlinks. We aimed to analyze the effect of referencing the GBP listing, either through a URL in an embed or a hyperlinked address, alongside NAP references and relevant keywords.

We conducted 50 PBN map embeds and created various backlinks targeting keywords related to solar panel services. By February 20th, we had finalized the PBN links and built tiered links, focusing on a range of solar panel-related keywords for the anchor texts. Our analysis includes examining listings that showcase the PBN map embeds’ effectiveness, specifically looking at content relevance, anchor text links, and the presence of map embeds.

Starting with a new listing meant we began with zero rankings.