Google appears to be testing a new layout for local panels on mobile search. This time, Google is showing two rows of action buttons inside some local business panels.
The change could make more Google Business Profile actions visible without forcing users to scroll horizontally through the available options.
Previously, Google has tested different ways to display these local panel buttons. For example, Google tested a more + sign to load more, along with a scrollable carousel that lets users move through multiple action buttons.
Now, Google seems to be experimenting with another layout that places the buttons across two separate rows.
Google Tests Two Rows Of Local Panel Buttons
The latest test was spotted by Khushal Bherwani, who shared a screenshot of the new layout on X.
The screenshot shows the Google local panel displaying multiple action buttons across two rows instead of placing them all inside one horizontal carousel.
This design gives users the ability to see more actions immediately after opening the local panel.
For local businesses, these buttons can be important because they often allow users to perform actions such as calling the business, getting directions, visiting the website, checking services, or interacting with other available options.
How Does the Current Local Panel Usually Look?
In the more common mobile layout, Google displays the action buttons in a single horizontal row.
Users can scroll from left to right to see additional buttons that are not immediately visible on the screen.
Here is an example of the normal local panel layout:
This layout keeps the panel compact, but some action buttons may remain hidden until the user scrolls.
As a result, users may interact mostly with the first few buttons they can see.
Google Has Been Testing More Action Button Layouts
This is not the first time Google has experimented with the way local panel action buttons are displayed.
Earlier, Google tested a layout that included a button allowing users to reveal more available actions.
Here is an example from April:
That test suggested Google was looking for ways to make additional local business actions easier to discover.
The latest two-row layout appears to follow the same direction. Instead of asking users to scroll or tap a button to reveal more options, Google can simply display more actions directly on the screen.
Why Two Rows Of Buttons Could Matter?
Showing two rows of action buttons could improve visibility for actions that normally appear later in the carousel.
For example, if a business has several available actions, some of them may currently require horizontal scrolling before users can find them.
With two rows, more buttons could appear immediately.
This could potentially help users find the action they need faster and reduce the number of taps or swipes required.
It may also give Google more flexibility when displaying different action buttons for different types of businesses.
A restaurant, hotel, service business, retail store, or healthcare provider may each have different actions available inside their local panel.
Therefore, a two-row design could provide more room for Google to display those options.
Could Button Placement Affect User Actions?
Button position can play an important role in user behavior.
Actions displayed near the beginning of a local panel are naturally easier to notice. Buttons placed further inside a horizontal carousel may receive less attention because users need to scroll to discover them.
With two rows, Google may be able to make more actions visible at the same time.
This does not necessarily mean every button will receive more clicks, but increased visibility could make certain actions easier for searchers to find.
For businesses managing their Google Business Profiles, it is another reminder that Google continues to change how local information appears in mobile search.
Google Continues Testing Local Search Interfaces
Google regularly experiments with local search layouts, action buttons, panels, and other interface elements.
Some tests eventually become widely available, while others may only appear for a limited group of users.
At the moment, the two-row button layout appears to be a test rather than a confirmed global rollout.
Therefore, businesses should not expect every customer to see the same version of the Google local panel.
Still, these experiments are worth watching because changes to local panel layouts can influence how customers interact with Google Business Profiles.
Businesses should continue keeping their profile information accurate, including phone numbers, websites, business hours, categories, services, and other important details.
Final Thoughts
Google’s test of two rows of action buttons could make mobile local panels easier to use by showing more options without requiring horizontal scrolling.
The change follows several earlier experiments involving expandable buttons and scrollable action carousels.
For now, it appears to be another Google local search test. However, if Google expands the layout, businesses could see more Google Business Profile actions displayed directly inside mobile search results.
The test was shared by Khushal Bherwani, and the discussion can be found on X.
