Google AdWords Location Ad Extension
Over the past few years Google has been implementing small, but significant, formatting and functional changes to their search result pages, as well as the release and upgrade of several ad extensions like the Location Extension shown in the image to the right.
The Location Ad Extension, with it’s grey pin, has morphed over time to look more and more like the Google+Local page pin (formerly known as Google Places pages). There are several theories as to why the free Google Places listings, AdWords PPC Ads, and even standard organic “free” listings, have started to look alike, and most people align with one of these two points of view:
A) To create a more unified experience for users between the organic search results and pay per click ads.
or…
B) To blend the look, format and function of the free and paid listings so that searchers can have a hard time making the distinction between them, thus reducing their ability to choose between which type of listing they would like to click on. Basically, tricking surfers into clicking on the higher listed ppc ads more often than the organic “free” listings that Google generates no revenue from.
The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
The following image should provide you with a good example of this. (click to enlarge)