Search Engine Basics

This starts with understands the three main types of traffic companies receive from search.

Map Listings – Google Maps started in 2005 as a way for consumers to find local establishments on the platform. It became the world’s leading map application with new features added on a regular basis.

Organic – Traditional search results from Googles search engine. We discuss more below about the algorithm that determines these rankings.

PPC – Pay per Click campaigns are when a company pays for their search engine rankings through ads. These ads are traditionally on the top and right of the Google search.

Many third party sources also provide Google Ads on their site. Pay per click campaigns are also called Search Engine Marketing.

For the purposes of this guide, we will focus on Google Maps and Google Organic Search.