Top 5 local ranking factors

The local search ranking factors are modified significantly over the past few years, making it much more complicated to rank for local search keywords. If you are working with a local business, then understanding this change in local SEO ranking is critical.

Getting high local business ranking is getting even more difficult as more and more local businesses recognized the need to optimize for local searching. Additionally, Google has slowly taken away the top spots from local businesses on the first page of Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) by declining the number of local results that show up in the Google “local pack”. 

There are a number of SEO strategies that you can take to help your business or clients rank on local search results. Whether you are new to local SEO or are looking for information about what’s effective in local SEO in 2017, read on our blog to find the top 5 local ranking factors.

Ø  Keyword
Everything in internet is based on keywords. They are the commonly used phrases or words use by people to search for local businesses. Hence, selecting the right keyword plays an important role in the ranking of your website in the Google search result.

Think about the question your customers would ask, when they search for your product or service. Try to simplify your keywords, make use of commonly used terms and names; think as a layman to understand their needs. Following to your service or product name try using your city name. Make use of the necessary keywords in your sites – titles & description Meta data/tag.

Ø  Claim you Google My Business & Bing Places business pages at earliest.

Many businesses fail to understand that Google & Bing give you’re a free page on their search engine. By doing so, you will increase the chances of appearing in search results when people search for your local business. Your business will show up on any type device and you’ll get exposure on Google Maps, too.

Claiming your Google My Business & Bing Places business pages will require few steps. They are signing up and verifying your business - ensure that all the information is correct and updated so that the potential customers can see you when they search for your business.

Above everything, the most important thing you need to provide is your physical address. Don’t worry if you don’t have walk-in customers coming to your business. it is always advisable for you to add as much information as you can – including your LOGO, photos, products, office timings, types of payment accepted, etc. it is important to filling in all the necessary piece of information asked by Google My Business and Bing Places page.

Ø  Mobile-First User Experience

Mobile optimization is an extremely important ranking factor. All of the top visible domains have mobile-friendly solutions. If you are in the process of developing a mobile version of your website, don’t rush launch it until it’s finished and optimized.

Ø  Backlinks
Backlinks continue remain the key ranking factor, but over the years, Google has learned to discard the bad links from the good. Look for the number of links your content has and the quality of those links. Ensure you reach out to high-quality partners for backlinks. Eliminate spammy and low-quality links; reject them if you can’t get them removed.

Ø  Reputation marketing

Getting maximum positive online reviews are of utmost important for any business to sustain. They are the most effective ways to attract new customers and business opportunities. “One Question Reputation App” is a one of its kind application develop to manage feedback in real-time. It allows you to post positive review across all the social media portals and shares the negative reviews with the top authorities, so that you get the chance to fix the issue before it hits the internet.

Google has made a steady push for quality content, quality links, and a perfect mobile experience. Other ranking factors are certainly play an important role will improve your website ranking.