GRASPED Google *Updates* Unraveled: Possum (2016)

GRASPED Google Updates Unraveled: Possum (2016)

Overview: The Possum update, rolled out in 2016, was primarily aimed at refining local search results. It significantly impacted Google's local pack and Google Maps results, focusing on diversifying listings and reducing spam. One of the most noticeable effects was that businesses outside city limits saw improved ranking in local packs for those cities.

Primary Changes:

• Enhanced filtering of local search results to avoid duplicate listings.
• Greater emphasis on the searcher's location: the closer someone is to a business, the more likely it is to appear in their local search results.
• Businesses outside the official city limits experienced better visibility in searches for that city.

Implications for Webmasters/SEO Professionals: With the Possum update, local SEO became more intricate. It became essential for businesses to ensure their listings were unique and not duplicative. Additionally, the update underlined the importance of broadening keyword strategies in local search to account for slight variations in search terms.

Clickable Prompts:

1. "Understanding the driving forces behind the Possum update."
2. "Case studies showcasing the effects of Possum on local businesses."
3. "Optimizing for local search in the era of Possum."
4. "How does Possum interact with other Google local search algorithms?"
5. "The importance of NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency post-Possum."
6. "Strategies to navigate the challenges posed by Possum."
7. "Predictions for the future of local search after the Possum update."

Further Reading:

• Deep dive into the Possum update and its implications
• Tips for local SEO in the wake of Possum
• Understanding the nuances of local search after Possum

This format provides a comprehensive understanding of the Possum update, its intentions, and the changes it brought about in local search dynamics.