10 Google Algorithm Factors For Local SEO
What is the Google algorithm for Local SEO?
Local SEO is the type of search engine optimization (SEO) where you focus on creating keywords, meta descriptions, title tags, and other elements that will help you rank higher in local searches. This process works in tandem with other SEO techniques like organic traffic optimization. But it can also work independently of all those other factors, so you should consider it one of your own business’ main avenues for growth and success.
By understanding the basics of the local SEO algorithm and what term should be selected for your business, you can boost your rankings in Google by creating informative content that people will want to click on. By doing this, you can build a profile for yourself and showcase yourself as an authority in your industry. However, SEO is effective in helping you achieve more than just driving traffic to your business’ website, and it’s something many small businesses lack.
Getting Started with Local SEO A successful local search optimization campaign involves several steps. First, you’ll need to get an understanding of the basic local search algorithm. Then you’ll need to build local authority through creating quality, relevant content. Finally, you’ll need to establish clear links between your business and the businesses that are relevant to your industry.
Here are some key factors that influence the Google local search ranking algorithm:
1) Complete Information in GMB
Many businesses neglect to include all the pertinent information on their Google My Business page. This includes important details such as telephone number, email address, hours of operation, location and directions to your business, Yelp reviews, and any additional customer testimonials you might have.
2) Social Signals
Another factor affecting rankings is the social signals, such as likes and retweets, generated by your users across social media platforms. These social signals, along with links to your business, will help Google determine the overall quality of that link and how much weight it should have.
3) Structured & Unstructured
The next element of the local search algorithm is the structured data, which is important for search optimization. It includes information such as attributes in the URL and a phone number or address associated with that URL. The unstructured data component includes keyword descriptions and any other relevant information that Google looks for about your business.
4) Link Pattern
The next factor of the Google local search algorithm is the link pattern. It evaluates any duplicate and irrelevant links distributed to your business. It also considers the domains that can be linked to you, including external domains that have a page on your site or external URL links from trusted locations such as Google Maps, Yahoo, and Bing.
5) Site Quality
The final factor of the local search algorithm is how well-maintained your business website is. If your website is out of date, doesn’t have a contact us page or any social media links to your site, this will reflect poorly on the quality of your business. On the other hand, if you don’t have these elements on your website, you’re telling Google that you’re not interested in growing a fanbase that will help to promote and drive traffic to your business.
6) Domain Authority
A quick way to boost your local SEO rankings is through establishing an external link from an authority domain. It involves linking from a website that has a high domain authority. The domain authority is a value that Google uses to determine the links being provided from that particular website. The stronger the domain authority, the more beneficial it will be for you to have an external link to that site.
7) Google My Business Page Keywords
If you want to gain authority in your local area, you should create a Google My Business page. It will provide you with the opportunity to implement additional keywords and phrases that will allow you to rank higher in local SEO.
8) Site Speed
The next factor of the local search algorithm is site speed, or how long it takes a website to load. Most users satisfied with their visit will likely not return if there is too much lag time when trying to view the page.
9) Reviews on GMB
Lastly, another key factor of the local search algorithm focuses on reviews. Google values real customer reviews that your business has received from people who have interacted with your business firsthand. If you have no reviews on Google My Business, this can also cause you to rank lower on the local search results page.
10) Local Searches
Another key ingredient to your local SEO strategy is the number of searches performed in the area where your business has a presence. The more search requests, the higher the chance of ranking on a search for that specific request term.
Google has changed its local search algorithm quite a bit over the last couple of years. Despite this, you can still use some tried and true methods to improve your ranking, especially in areas where you have a physical presence and not just a website. We recommend that you monitor your rankings on Google frequently and make any adjustments required to keep your ranking high in the area where you are located.
