New Google search results — OneBox is upgraded

Google’s OneBox results getting smarter

Recently, Google seems to have updated their algorithm for when they show the mapped results (or, “OneBox”). It used to be that the OneBox would show up when viewing 10 results at a time for many most local searches. Now, the OneBox only shows up when viewing locally relevant industries or when a certain number of results are displayed at once.

OneBox Search results are still immediately relevant for many industries

Here are some industries google still shows the mapped results on the front page with 10 results showing at a time.

• “Denver restaurant” – 10 results
• “Denver plumber” – 10 results
• “Denver hair salon” – 10 results
• “Denver car repair” – 10 results

OneBox results: SEO

For the SEO industry, it seems Google finds map results less relevant. While doing a search for Denver SEO — the OneBox only shows up with 40 or more results:

• Search for “Denver SEO” – 10 results
• Search for “Denver SEO” – 40 results

OneBox results: Web Design

For web design search, Google recognizes that location matters even less: they don’t show the mapped results until you show 100 results.

• Search for “Denver web design” – 10 results
• Search for “Denver web design” – 100 results

OneBox results: Web Development

For web development search, Google believes location matters.

• Search for “Denver web development” – 10 results

Further complexity

When doing a search for New York City SEO and New York City web design, the OneBox shows up! Is it because I am doing a search from a different location? Or is it that, even if I were in New York City, the OneBox would be displayed.

What about your industry or locality?

What are you noticing about when the OneBox appears or does not? Leave a comment with your experience.