For those of you who don’t yet know, Google has been experimenting with the placement of the 7-pack listings. In short, the map now appears on the right side of the SERP (where paid listings show up), and local listings now appear bigger in size (making them look more like organic results). While this new layout enhances consumer usability, it has all sorts of implications for advertisers…particularly local advertisers.

In his latest ClickZ article, “Google: Experimenting With Its Largest Opportunity – Local,” Gregg Stewart discusses these implications, particularly addressing the fears that the new layout will negatively impact advertisers currently employing SEO and paid search and those placing on Internet Yellow Pages. While the overwhelming industry backlash is understandable, Stewart ascertains that Google wouldn’t employ a layout change that could potentially alienate advertisers as much as some are claiming the new layout would.

That being said, Stewart does breaks down what is crucial for SMBs to take advantage of right now with their local business listings on Google, but you’ll have to read the full article to get those tips.

The bottom line is that Google is always adapting to meet the challenges of the changing landscape – local advertisers just need to do so as well.