Google seems to be indexing and ranking Google Maps search results directly in regular Google Search results for some “near me” type queries. This means that when users search for things like “restaurants near me” or “pharmacy near me”, they may now see links to Google Maps search pages as part of the search results. Check your own near me terms before assuming anything. The local search results tool shows what a query like that returns right now.
This is interesting because Google has long followed a policy that prevents search results pages from being indexed. However, it now appears that Google Maps search result pages are being indexed and ranked, possibly by mistake.
The first person to notice this was Khushal Bherwani, who shared examples on X (formerly Twitter). You can see one such example by searching for “restaurants near me” on Google. One of the results leads to a Google Maps search page showing local restaurant options near your location.
Here is the direct link to his post: Khushal’s X Post
Another expert, Brodie Clark, also commented on this and said it looks like a new organic growth strategy for Google. He mentioned that Google is now indexing thousands of Google Maps search result pages, and some are even ranking on the first page for queries like “dentist near me” and “pharmacy near me”.
Many experts are wondering if this is a bug or an intentional change. As of now, there has been no official statement from Google.
You can join the ongoing discussion here: Forum on X
