Top Local Search Ranking Signals Businesses Need to Know

Most customers prefer searching for nearby local businesses for products and services. This latest search trend has made local SEO more important than ever. 

No wonder businesses have started investing in local SEO.

How can SMBs achieve top local rankings in colossal competition?

The simple answer is Google’s Local Pack.

Google’s Local Pack highlights the top three search-related businesses, as shown in the shared screenshot. It helps customers find business details in one place, which boosts the chances of conversions.

Hence, we have shared top local ranking signals to help your business appear in Google’s Local Pack and hit top local SERPs.

1. Google My Business

Google My Business is a free-to-use platform that lets you connect with your potential customers across Google searches. Add your business details, upload photos, and write a description stating your products and services. Attract new prospects by explaining what makes your business unique.

2. Listings on Review Sites

Business listings on popular review sites help boost the local SERPs. Some of the top review sites include – 

• Yelp
• Angie’s List (Now, Angi)
• Glassdoor

If you haven’t claimed your business listings on these review sites, do it at the earliest.

3. NAP Citations

NAP (Name, Address, and Phone number) citations depict the websites and places where your business name, address, and phone number are listed.

Google uses NAP citations to check and confirm whether your business information is accurate. This attribute has made NAP citations one of the vital local SEO ranking signals.

4. High-Quality Google Reviews

High-quality Google reviews significantly improve the online visibility of local businesses.

Reviews with relevant keywords send Google signals stating the business is trustworthy. So, always request your customers to leave genuine feedback on your services on Google.

5. Responses to Reviews

Reviews with response counts also contribute to improved local SERPs. 

As an SMB owner, make sure you respond to every customer who’s taken time to write a review for your services. 

6. Business Website Optimization 

Optimize your website for local searches. Include meta titles, descriptions, keywords that help users explore your business and its location. 

For instance, instead of optimizing for ‘the best laptop repair services,’ optimize for ‘the best laptop repair services, Pune.’

7. Content with Local Keywords 

Make sure to write and publish quality content on your website that speaks about your local events, community, services, or anything relevant to your products and services. Use local keywords to help Google discover and rank your business fast. 

Wrapping Up

Local SEO can be a gamechanger for businesses, especially SMBs aiming to enhance their ROI.

If you are one of them, the list of specified top local search ranking signals will serve as a quick guide to increase your performance in local SERPs.  

You can also refer to the insightful infographic by Ronkot for all the latest updates on local SEO practices. It will help your business be a part of Google’s Local Pack and let your customers find you with ease.