Where were you on the night of August 6? While you were probably sleeping (we certainly were), Google rolled out changes to the way local businesses appear in search results. This update affects everyone from restaurants and retail stores to—yep, you guessed it—apartment communities and property management companies. What? Google has updated how local results appear to both desktop and mobile searchers. Before the update, seven local businesses would appear under the map that displays local search results. After the update, only three local businesses appear. What was known as the “7-pack” by SEO experts is now the “3-pack.” Instead of ranking in the top seven local results for a search, you now have to rank in the top three to show up on the first page. Why? While Google has called this an update that “provides people with more relevant information,” multiple sources have suggested that this might be a move to encourage more businesses to use AdWords, Google’s pay per click (PPC) advertising tool. When the chance that you will appear in organic search results is reduced, you will probably be more inclined to pay for priority placement. How will it affect property management? Less space is dedicated to local results Before your business had to rank in the top seven to appear organically, now it has to be in the top three Less information now appears under the local listings; exact addresses and Google+ links have been removed Business hours have been added On mobile searches, reviews and the click-to-call button appear (websites do not) On desktop searches, reviews and website links appear (phone numbers do not) Although fewer local listings are now instantly visible, when a user does click through to get more information about local results, 17 additional local...