Google Saying GoodBye to Local 7-Pack and Hello to 3-Pack

After a recent Google Local search result update, Google is now displaying 3 pack as a replacement for 7 pack Google local SERP results. It seems that Google has said a complete Goodbye to that traditional 7 pack for local business pages, making them more competitive.

Have a look at the result of such update that drops 7 down to a 3 Pack:

Here is a screen shot showing what the local results looked like previously?

What would be the impact of this update?

• Everyone, especially who is in the field of SEO, can easily predict about the major consequences of this update.
• Fewer phone calls and sales for businesses after 3rd position.
• More business opportunities for First 3 search results.
• Difficult to outrank the Google local listing 3 pack for plenty of local SEO experts.
• A visitor will have to click through to the Google Maps listing or to the site to know more about a desired business.
• 3 local pack changes come along with an option to call a business through tapping on listings – only on mobiles.
• Removal of links to Google reviews that is making Google+ more unrelated than before.
• A visitor can find the information about store regarding store hours & store closing.
• Searchers will always have to expand the 3 pack local search result box in order to view more listing results.