Local business ranking using mapping information
Topics: Local Search, Ranking, Scoring, User Signals
The Google patent describes a method and system for ranking local businesses based on user interactions with business listings and mapping information. The system uses signals such as address queries, searches for nearby businesses, and user actions on maps to determine a ranking score for businesses. This score is then used to order businesses in search results in response to user queries. By weighting different types of user actions according to their indication of user interest, the system enhances the relevance of local business search results.