Last year Google rolled out Universal search which blends results from its various search engines with the standard web results.

Ever since it has been experimenting with how, and where these results are blended (top of the page or middle) , and how they appear.

The most recent change is the appearance of local search results in the so called “one box”.

The contents of the onebox are determined by Google and can contain content from any of the Google services/search engines like Google books,images,maps and of course local. A full list is here

If google determines that the search request is for local information then the one box contains local search results taken from Google Local/Maps.

You should note that just because you have a website and are listed in the main index doesn’t mean that you are listed in Google local/maps.

A Goolge Maps listing is seperate and you need to add yourself to it. You will need a Google account to do so (its free) and you will find the add link on the maps home page:

• USA Google Maps
• Uk Google Maps

Google now displays ten local listings instead of the prvious thre which gives more exposure for local businesses.

Here are the search results for seo Shropshire

In this case it is the forth listing but can be the first listing displayed. In either case you can see how prominent it is and no doubt  has a very good click through rate.

Therefore it is very important that as part of your search engine optimization efforts that you get a listing in Google maps, and monitor your position for local search results.

If you are confused by the changes to the search results page take a look at Google  help