Local SEO

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. These searches take place on Google and other search engines. For any business with a physical location or serving a specific geographic area, local SEO is critical. It focuses on appearing in the 'Local Pack' (Map results) and involves optimizing your Google Business Profile, building local citations, and managing reviews to build trust with local customers.

8 Expert Definitions

Key Local SEO Concepts

Browse our comprehensive dictionary of local seo terms. Click on any term to get a deep dive into its meaning and practical application.

Google Business Profile (GBP)

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. A com...

#localpack#localcitations#napconsistency

Local Pack

The Local Pack (or Map Pack) is the section of Google search results that displays 3 business listings with map markers for local-intent queries. Ranking in the...

#googlebusinessprofile#localseo#mapsranking

Local Citations

Local citations are online mentions of a business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) on directories, review sites, and other platforms. They serve as trust...

#napconsistency#googlebusinessprofile#localseo

NAP Consistency

NAP consistency refers to maintaining identical Name, Address, and Phone number information across all online platforms where a business is listed. This include...

#localcitations#googlebusinessprofile#localseo

Local Schema Markup

Local schema markup is structured data implementation that helps search engines understand local business information. Using Schema.org vocabulary, local busine...

#structureddata#schemamarkup#richresults

Review Management

Review management is the systematic process of monitoring, responding to, and encouraging customer reviews across platforms like Google, Yelp, and industry-spec...

#googlebusinessprofile#reputationmanagement#localpack

Local Keywords

Local keywords are search terms that include geographic modifiers or imply local intent. They typically follow patterns like '[service] + [location]' (e.g., 'pl...

#localseo#keywordresearch#geotargeting

Proximity Ranking

Proximity ranking is a local search algorithm factor that prioritizes businesses based on their physical distance from the searcher's location or the location s...

#localpack#googlebusinessprofile#geotargeting

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I rank in the Google Maps 'Local Pack'?

The top factors are proximity to the searcher, the completeness and optimization of your Google Business Profile, and the quantity/quality of your customer reviews.

What is NAP consistency and why does it matter?

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Consistency across all directories (Yelp, Yellow Pages, etc.) is a key trust signal for Google. Inconsistent data can confuse search engines and hurt your rankings.

Do I need a physical office for Local SEO?

Not necessarily. Service-area businesses (like plumbers or cleaners) can hide their address in Google Business Profile and still rank for the areas they serve.

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