Google Local’s New 7-Pack Makes Local More Competitive

Looking at some local search queries this morning, it appears as though Google is testing a new 7-pack of results as opposed to the 10-pack we have all gotten used to.

Here is a screenshot of the new layout:

The results are still in the same order as yesterday for the searches that I performed, just missing the last 3 on the list. For those businesses rounding out spots H, I and J this is definitely a big blow in larger markets, but a great reason to work that much harder to improve visibility!

Will this move from 10 to 7 listings create a more authoritative appeal to searchers?