When users search for local businesses, Google presents relevant results through the Map Pack feature. Google explicitly outlines the primary factors influencing local SEO rankings, which revolve around three key elements: relevancy, distance, and prominence.
1. Relevancy: This factor gauges how well a business aligns with the search query. Comprehensive business information, coupled with reviews from previous customers, contributes significantly to establishing relevance.
2. Distance: The distance between the location specified in the search query and the business address plays a crucial role. If the search query lacks a specified location, the search engine takes into account the user’s location.
3. Prominence: This factor reflects the popularity of a business. Google gauges a business’s popularity through online mentions, links, articles, and directory listings.
Based on these primary local SEO ranking factors, the following distinctive local SEO signals can be identified:
- User and business location
- Information provided in Google Business listings
- Keywords utilized in Google Business profiles
- Sentiment and keywords within online reviews
- Overall ratings of the Google Business profile
- NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) citations and inclusion in online directories
- Social media shares
For an in-depth understanding of each tactic, refer to this beginner’s guide to local SEO, designed to enhance your business marketing strategies.
