Understanding Local Search Rankings
How local search rankings work and what factors influence your position.
How Local Search Works
Local search results are personalized based on the searcher's location.
Results can vary dramatically even within a few miles of your business.
Google considers relevance, distance, and prominence when ranking local results.
The Three Ranking Factors
Relevance: How well your business matches what the user is searching for.
Distance: How far your business is from the searcher or the location in their search.
Prominence: How well-known and established your business is online and offline.
Improving Your Rankings
Optimize your Google Business Profile with complete, accurate information.
Build citations on relevant directories with consistent NAP data.
Earn positive reviews and respond to all feedback.
Create locally-relevant content on your website.
Build local backlinks from community organizations and local businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Local rankings vary by the searcher's location
- Relevance, distance, and prominence drive rankings
- Consistent NAP across the web builds trust
- Reviews are a major ranking and conversion factor