How Google Decides Who Ranks in Local Search Results

May 28, 2020 | SEO, All, Digital Marketing

In fact, no one can’t simply ask Google what types of factors it takes into account while deciding about the rank of a business in local search results. However, experts have outlined some of the most essential aspects, which can play a vital role while seeking higher ranks in local search.

Here, we have compiled a list of the most relevant elements, which tend to assist Google while deciding as to which business should be displayed in SERP. These are the most impactful and effective ranking factors. In order to learn more about them, just continue reading.

Factors that help Google to determine Local Rankings

The following are some of the most critical factors that Google considers while deciding who ranks in local search results.

Relevance to the Search Query

Relevance is a factor that decides which business matches the search query. If someone is searching for a specific business in the close vicinity, Google will give preference to such a business in the local search results.

In order to assist Google in making the right selection; business owners must provide detailed information about their business. It helps the search engine to better understand the relevancy of a local business regarding a specific search query.

How Renowned and Prominent a Business is?

Prominence relates to the popularity of a business in the offline world. This is the reason, Google tries to reflect this in its local search ranking. For Instance, landmark hotels, famous museums or renowned store brands are more popular among people than other businesses.

In order to analyze the prominence of business, Google relies on its online reviews and positive ratings. Positive ratings and more reviews mean that a business is quite popular among the masses.

As a result, Google pays attention to this factor when deciding the ranking of a local business in search results.

Business Listings and Citations prove to be Valuable and Essential

Talking about the Business Listings and citations, it is referred to as an online reference, which is associated with your business name, address, and phone number. Google takes into account the citations to analyze whether a business is trustworthy or not.

The presence of a business on some of the most reputable business directories make Google believes that such a business is prominent. Therefore, every business should ensure that its information is listed accurately and completely on the top directories and listing sites.

Google My Business is more than essential

In the recent past, we have observed an explosive impact of Google My Business. This factor alone plays a key role while helping Google to decide what business to rank in local search results.

Hence, it is important to keep your GMB data updated and complete. This facility is available for every small business. Furthermore, content like Google Q&A, Google Posts, and image/video uploads are a few of the most influential ranking elements.

To secure some of the top-ranking positions, make sure to add this type of content regularly. While adding content to your listing, try to provide accurate and up-to-date business information.

By simply following this strategy, almost every small business would be in a position to get more Google reviews. However, don’t forget to respond to such reviews timely.

Location and Distance of a Business

No doubt, Google also pays attention to the distance at which local business is located. If the user has specified a location, the most relevant and closest businesses would appear in the search result.

On the contrary, if a user doesn’t specify a location, Google will consider the current location of such a user to locate the nearest and most relevant business.

 

If you are looking to rank higher in local search results, build a stronger and better online presence, you can rely on Cyrusson to get help you out. Feel free to reach out to us anytime or visit our digital marketing solutions page to learn more!

 

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