Google Search Indexing & Ranking on Google Maps Results
Have you noticed something different in Google Search lately? It seems that Google is now indexing and ranking Google Maps search results pages for certain types of queries, specifically those that include [near me]. This change allows Google Maps results to appear directly in your Google search results.
A Shift in Google’s Policy?
Traditionally, Google has had a policy in place to block search results pages from being indexed. However, it looks like they might be inadvertently allowing Google Maps search result pages to slip through this restriction.
The Discovery
Khushal Bherwani made this observation known on X, sharing a few examples. When searching for [restaurants near me], he found that clicking on the link directed him to
google.com/maps/search/restaurants+near+me/, showcasing local restaurant options in the Google Maps interface.
There’s a noticeable trend where these mapping URLs rank on the search engine results page (SERP) right after local packs.
Insight from Other Experts
Brodie Clark also chimed in after Khushal’s findings, noting, “Wild. New Google domain organic growth strategy just dropped. They’re now indexing thousands of /search map result pages, even ranking on page 1 for ‘restaurants near me’, ‘pharmacy near me’, ‘dentist near me’, and more.”
Is This a Bug?
Could this new behavior be just a bug? It’s possible! Many are speculating about this on forums over at X.
Stay tuned as this situation develops, and let’s see how Google responds to this unexpected indexing of Google Maps results in search.
