The MOZ local search ranking factors survey is closely monitored by every search marketing professional. In summary, 40 local search experts come together and draw their conclusions on the most important local search ranking factors for the year ahead. The focus this year is on links and reviews.
What are the top Local Search Ranking Factors for 2017?
Before we begin, we need to discuss what local SEO is. Local SEO enables businesses to promote their products and services to customers within their geographic region. Thousands of potential customers are searching for products and services from local businesses every single day. Implementing proper local SEO practices will enable your business to be found by locals in your area.
In this years SEO local search ranking factors survey, there was a greater focus on 3 local search ranking factors:
1. Proximity
For local search, proximity has been the number one local ranking factor and not much has changed in 2017. The proximity of your business address plays a huge factor in the search results which are delivered to the search user. When a user is searching for a product or service, Google is asking what business is closest to this search user.
There are pros and cons for proximity. It can be great for someone who is searching for a cafe in their area. However, if you are searching for a marketing agency, you aren’t looking for the closest agency, you want the best agency. Google is still working on the proximity ranking factor and we’re excited to see how it continues to evolve.
2. Linking signals
Google uses links as the main source of measuring a businesses authority and ranking power. High quality links play a substantial role in a business websites search ranking results. Quality links have always been an important ranking factor for SEO in general and now that importance has also carried over to local search results.
3. Google My Business Factors
Google My Business (a.k.a GMB) has always played an important role for local ranking factors. Every business needs to take advantage of Google My Business. GMB enables you to use a (free) business listing to manage important business details such as your address, opening hours, and website links.
A GMB account allows customers to write reviews for your business. If you have many reviews on your account and your competitors have none, then you are in a better position to secure the sale/enquiry. The reason for this is that people trust other people, if they see many positive reviews about a business, they are more likely to purchase.
Overall, if you correctly set up your account, your business will be in a much more favourably position to rank well in local search results.
Contact Kiwise Digital for SEO Services
Get in touch with Kiwise Digital today about our digital marketing services. We provide search engine optimisation services, social media marketing services, email marketing services and much more. Use the online contact form below or call our team at 09-551 5526.
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