Want your business to dominate local search results? It’s all about understanding Google’s local search ranking factors. Let’s explore the key aspects that determine your position on Google Maps and the local pack.
1. Google Business Profile (GBP): The Starting Point
Your GBP is where it all begins.
- Primary Business Category: Businesses with the right primary category rank higher. For instance, a dentist listing “Pediatric Dentist” as the primary category signals exactly what they specialize in. Learn more about local SEO for dentists.
- Complete and Updated Profiles: Keep your hours, services, and posts up to date.
- Photos Matter: Listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions.
Action Step: Regularly audit your GBP to ensure it reflects accurate and engaging information.
2. Reviews: Not Just a Vanity Metric
Reviews influence rankings and build trust with potential customers.
- Consistency: Businesses with more reviews tend to rank better. Aim for at least 20+ recent reviews.
- Keywords in Reviews: Reviews mentioning your service or city subtly help rankings.
Did you know? Responding to reviews improves your engagement metrics and sends positive signals to Google.
3. On-Page SEO: Your Website’s Role in Rankings
Google looks beyond your GBP. Your website should back up your local presence.
- NAP (Name, Address, Phone): Your NAP should be consistent across all platforms. Here’s why it matters for multi-location businesses.
- Local Content: Blog about topics relevant to your area. For example, a plumber in Edmonton could write about “Preparing Your Pipes for Alberta Winters.”
- Schema Markup: Use LocalBusiness schema to give Google structured information about your business.
4. Behavioral Signals: User Interaction Counts
How users engage with your profile affects rankings.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): Engaging descriptions and photos can boost your CTR.
- Driving Directions Requests: Profiles with higher requests for directions rank better.
Pro Tip: Adding a free consultation offer to your GBP often encourages users to engage with your listing.
5. Citations and Backlinks: Building Authority
Citations are essential for proving your legitimacy.
- Local Directories: List your business on Yelp, BBB, and industry-specific sites.
- Backlinks from Local Sites: Partner with local charities or events to earn links.
Numbers don’t lie: Businesses with high-quality citations and backlinks rank significantly higher in competitive niches.
6. Proximity, Prominence, and Relevance: Google’s Trio of Ranking
- Proximity: How close your business is to the searcher.
- Prominence: Online reputation, links, and reviews.
- Relevance: How well your profile matches the user’s intent.
Note: While proximity is fixed, focusing on prominence and relevance can tip the scales in your favor.
We’ve taken businesses from struggling to surpassing their competitors by focusing on these exact factors. Want to scale your business using local SEO and ads? Let’s talk strategies.