Now, Points of Interest is something that has been used on Google Maps for years, but this is the first time I’ve ever noticed it in Google search results…
I noticed what may be a new feature being tested in Google search results called Points of Interest. I searched “Tampa Things to Do” which displayed a top-horizontal area featuring businesses (or things to do) in the Tampa area.
Search Results for Tampa Things to Do
When you click on a Point of Interest, it will bring up their Google+ information and map to their location on the right sidebar. The search results will also change to reflect the Point of Interest clicked. In this case, the Lowry Park Zoo had its page on Wikipedia, Twitter, Facebook, Yelp and TripAdvisor added to the results.
Search Results for Tampa Things to Do after clicking Lowry Park Zoo
As far as I can tell, Google must be using schemas to create improved search results for various search terms, along with Google+ and local search information. If this feature is something we can expect in the near future, it will create one more key area for businesses to appear in the Google SERPs (with help from talented SEOs).
If you have any more information on Points of Interest appearing in Google search results or any other thoughts, please let me know in the comments!
-David Gray
About David Gray
My name is David Gray and I am a Marketing & Design pro living in the Tampa Bay area. I have a BSBA from the University of Central Florida where I majored in Marketing and minored in Psychology. I am very motivated to not only achieve my goals, but to help others achieve their goals and make an impact.
Interesting find. I wonder if this is a widespread new feature or a limited test. I’ve been surprised lately at some of the things I’ve been finding in Google search results. If Facebook’s Graph Search turns out to be big, I expect we’ll see even bigger innovations.
@Andrew: I agree, Graph Search will definitely have Google thinking of more ways to stay ahead of the game (like they usually are). Personally, I don’t think Facebook’s Graph Search has much of a chance to compete…just yet. Thanks for commenting!