This article provides a professional guide on “What is Pigeon in SEO.” If you want to understand how Google’s Pigeon update changed local SEO and what it means for your business, read on for examples, expert tips, and a simplified explanation of this major search algorithm update.
Have you ever searched for “coffee shop near me” and received incredibly accurate results? That’s the magic of local SEO, and behind the scenes, Google’s Pigeon update plays a big role in it. If you’re a local business or SEO professional, it’s crucial to understand what is Pigeon in SEO and how it can help (or hurt) your visibility in local search rankings.
In this guide, we’ll break down this important Google algorithm update in simple terms, share how it works, and explain how you can benefit from it.
Let’s explore it together!
Table of Contents
What is Pigeon in SEO?
Pigeon in SEO refers to a major algorithm update by Google that significantly improved local search results by aligning local and organic ranking factors. Launched in July 2014, this update made local search results more accurate, relevant, and tied closely to standard web search signals.
Before Pigeon, Google’s local search relied mainly on distance and business listings (like Google My Business). After Pigeon, factors like website quality, backlinks, and domain authority became just as important for local rankings.
Whether you run a local restaurant, doctor’s clinic, or any service-based business, understanding what is Pigeon in SEO can help you better optimize your website and local listings.
When Was the Pigeon Update Released?
- Launch Date: July 24, 2014 (U.S. English results only)
- Global Rollout: December 2014 (extended to other English-speaking countries)
Google did not officially name the update. The SEO community coined the term “Pigeon” to reflect the update’s local intent (like a homing pigeon) and because Google hadn’t released an official name.
Why Did Google Introduce the Pigeon Update?
The main goal of Pigeon was to improve local search accuracy by making it more dependent on the core web algorithm. This allowed local results to reflect:
- User proximity more precisely
- Stronger websites to rank higher locally
- Consistency between Google Maps and regular Search
- More relevant directory sites (like Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.) to show up when appropriate
In Simple Words:
Google wanted local search to show the best businesses nearby, based on quality, trust, and user intent, not just who was closest.
How Pigeon Affected Local SEO
Pigeon changed how local businesses appear in search results.
Before Pigeon:
- Small businesses with Google listings but weak websites could still rank well.
- Searchers often saw 7-pack results.
- Google’s own pages ranked above Yelp or other review sites.
Before Pigeon:
- Local search began favoring businesses with strong SEO and high authority.
- 3-pack results replaced 7-pack.
- Directory sites like Yelp started ranking higher when included in queries.
- Proximity became more important — businesses far from the searcher often dropped out of the results.
Key Features of the Pigeon Update
Let’s look at some defining characteristics of the Google Pigeon algorithm:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Better Local Accuracy | Results based on user’s exact location (via GPS/IP). |
| Improved Distance Calculation | Ranks businesses physically closer to the user. |
| Stronger Ties to Traditional Ranking Signals | Local rankings now depend on SEO factors like links, content, etc. |
| Google Maps Integration | Maps listings now reflect the same algorithm as organic results. |
| Reduced Spam in Local Listings | Cracks down on fake or low-quality local businesses. |
How to Optimize for the Pigeon Update
To make the most of this algorithm, businesses must focus on traditional SEO and local SEO simultaneously. Here’s how:
1. On-Page SEO for Local Success:
- Use the city/region name in titles, headers, and content.
- Create location-specific landing pages.
2. Local Listings:
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.
- Ensure NAP consistency across all directories.
- Use high-quality images and update business hours regularly.
3. Citations and Directories:
- Get listed on authoritative local directories like JustDial, Sulekha, IndiaMart.
- Encourage positive reviews on Google and Yelp.
4. Backlinks:
- Build local backlinks through partnerships, sponsorships, and local news features.
- Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to find backlink opportunities.
5. User Engagement:
- Focus on click-through rates and dwell time.
- Embed local schema markup (JSON-LD) to provide Google with structured data.
5+ Tools to Analyze Local SEO Performance
Here are some tools to help track your local SEO after Pigeon:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Search Console | Track keyword performance. |
| Google Business Profile Dashboard | Insights into views, searches, and engagement. |
| BrightLocal | Local rankings, citations, and reviews. |
| Moz Local | Listing consistency and directory submission. |
| Whitespark | Local citation building and audits |
| SEMrush | Track keyword rankings and backlink health |
| Yext | Manage listings, monitor reviews, and ensure accurate location data. |
These tools can help you stay aligned with the changes from the Pigeon update.
FAQs:)
A. Google didn’t name it. SEO experts called it “Pigeon” because it focused on local results, like how pigeons return home (local targeting).
A. Yes. Even though newer updates like Possum and Hawk came later, Pigeon laid the foundation for modern local SEO. Its changes are still in effect today.
A. Local service providers like restaurants, plumbers, dentists, and travel companies saw significant changes in rankings.
A. Yes. Pigeon made local search better on both desktop and mobile, especially since mobile searches often use GPS data for precise results.
A. Yes. While newer updates have been introduced, the core principles of the Pigeon update are still part of Google’s local ranking algorithm.
A. It made local search results more accurate, consistent, and integrated with organic web results. It also boosted directory listings.
Conclusion:)
Absolutely. The Google Pigeon update was a major turning point for local SEO. It transformed how local results were shown by introducing quality signals, improving user experience, and raising the bar for businesses.
If you run a local business — especially in India, where local competition is high — you must combine traditional SEO with strong local optimization. The days of relying only on your Google listing are gone.
Read also:)
- What is Toxic Backlinks: A Step-by-Step Guide!
- What is MUVERA in SEO: A New Algorithm by Google!
- What is Dwell Time in SEO: A Step-by-Step Guide!
Have questions about how the Pigeon update affects your website or business? Or do you have insights and experiences you’d like to share? Drop a comment below — we’d love to hear from you and continue the conversation!