Google Business Profile Signals
GBP optimization is the #1 local ranking factor. Proximity to searcher, primary category relevance, keyword in business name (if legitimate), and profile completeness all matter.
Review Signals
Review quantity, velocity, and diversity impact rankings. A steady stream of positive reviews from multiple platforms signals trust. Responding to reviews also matters.
On-Page Signals
Your website still matters for local SEO. NAP consistency, city/region in title tags, local content, and embedded Google Maps help establish local relevance.
Citation Signals
Consistent NAP across directories builds trust. Focus on quality over quantity. Industry-specific directories often carry more weight than general directories.
Link Signals
Local links from local businesses, chambers of commerce, local news, and community organizations carry extra weight for local rankings. Quality over quantity applies here too.
Behavioral Signals
Click-through rates, mobile clicks-to-call, and driving directions requests may influence rankings. Optimizing your GBP for conversions can create a positive feedback loop.