The Key Local SEO Ranking Factors 2024

The level of competition in local SEO is now even higher than before. Local SEO is crucial as recent studies show that over 75% of customers search for local businesses on Google. While it has slight variations from traditional SEO, both are closely intertwined.

Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, ranking locally is essential. This blog will teach you key tactics, tips, and a comprehensive checklist to ensure your local SEO success.

How to Do Local SEO?

Local SEO is influenced by several key signals. Let’s explore the seven most important ranking factors and how much influence each one holds in 2024.

1. On-page Signals: 15%
   The first step is optimizing your website’s on-page elements. These include website speed, WWW redirects, title tag optimization, robots.txt creation, and internal/external linking. On-page implementation also involves meta descriptions, heading tag optimizations, and image alt text optimization.
   A well-optimized website can improve your rankings and drive more organic traffic. Our on-page optimization services ensure your site is search engine-friendly, helping increase revenue, traffic, and conversions.
2. Google Business Profile Signals: 33%
   Your Google Business Profile (GMP) is crucial to local SEO success. Here are the top tips for optimizing it:
   1. Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them quickly. Both positive and negative reviews, when handled correctly, build trust.
   2. Keep your business information updated, including opening hours, holidays, and contact details.
   3. Ensure your GMB profile is fully complete. Incomplete profiles can negatively impact your ranking.
3. Review Signals: 16%
   Customer reviews are increasingly important in local SEO. In 2024, look for reviews that include:
   • A high volume of detailed customer reviews
   • Strong numerical ratings
   • Relevant keywords within the reviews
     Positive reviews enhance trust, and Google considers them a significant ranking factor.
4. Personalization Signals: 6%
   Personalization in SEO has stabilized over the years, but it remains an important factor. Your search history and personal preferences play a role in the results you see, and tools like rank tracking software can help identify trends in your personalized search patterns.
5. Citation Signals: 7%
   Ensure that your business is listed accurately across local directories. Citations are critical to maintaining consistency in your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP). Inaccurate citations can harm your credibility with search engines. Listing your business on directories like Yelp, Facebook, and Yellow Pages boosts your authority.
6. Local Link Signals: 15%
   Building high-quality local backlinks remains essential. Tactics like directory submissions, local citations, and targeted keywords help improve visibility. Ensure your GMB listing’s landing page URL is accurate, and always aim for relevant, trustworthy backlinks.
7. Behavioral Signals: 8%
   Mobile-friendly design and website loading speed are crucial. Google prioritizes sites that load quickly and offer seamless experiences across mobile devices. A slow website can drive users away, so focus on improving both speed and usability.

Local SEO Checklist

1. Mention Local Landmarks
   If your business is near a well-known local landmark, include its name in your GMB listing and content. Embedding a map with directions to your business from that landmark can also attract customers.
2. Utilize Google Ads
   Phrases like “limited-time offer,” “up to 45% off,” or “hurry, sale ends today” are attention-grabbing and can be used strategically in your ads to attract more local traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do I need local SEO?
   You need local SEO when:
   • Facing strong competition
   • Your traffic suddenly drops
   • Bounce rates are increasing
   • You want to rank in “near me” searches
   • Your content isn’t performing well
2. What is a local SEO strategy?
   It’s a set of tactics designed to increase your business’s visibility in local search results.
3. Is local SEO important?
   Yes. It makes you more competitive and helps potential customers find and interact with your business.
4. How do you perform local SEO?
   Optimize your Google Business Profile, get reviews, reply to customer feedback, and create localized content.
5. What is local SEO?
   Local SEO is the process of optimizing your business to rank higher in local search results, increasing your online exposure.

Conclusion

In 2024, local SEO remains as important as ever. Google Business Profile signals (33%) lead the ranking factors, followed by customer review signals (16%). On-page optimization and local links both contribute 15%. Behavioral signals (8%), citation signals (7%), and personalization signals (6%) are also crucial. Following these guidelines will help your business grow and succeed in local search results. If you have any questions, leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.