How to Outrank 99% of Local Businesses on Google: An Essential Guide

If you're a local business owner struggling to appear in the Google Map Pack, you're not alone. Many businesses, despite having the right strategies in place, find themselves overshadowed by competitors who shouldn't be outranking them. The key to overcoming this hurdle lies in understanding and implementing the most significant local SEO ranking factors.

 This guide will walk you through these factors, ranked in a tier list format, to help you focus on what truly matters for your online visibility.

Understanding Local SEO Ranking Factors

Local SEO is crucial for businesses looking to attract customers in their geographic area. The factors influencing your ranking can be overwhelming, but breaking them down into categories can simplify the process. We’ll categorize these factors into five tiers: must dos, should dos, good to haves, do when there's time, and wastes of time.

Must Dos: The Key Factors for Ranking Success

Starting with the essentials, there are several factors that you absolutely must prioritize to improve your local SEO ranking. These are the elements that can significantly impact your visibility on Google.

• Keywords in Your Business Name: Including relevant keywords in your business name can give you a considerable edge. For instance, a law office named “Walker and Associates Family Law” is likely to rank better than simply “Walker and Associates Legal.” However, changing your business name is a serious decision and should be done with caution to avoid sounding spammy.
• Keywords in Your Landing Page Title: Your landing page, typically your homepage linked from your Google Business Profile, should include your primary keywords in its meta title. This is a straightforward task that can yield significant ranking power.
• Positive Google Reviews: The quality of your reviews is paramount. Aim for a high average star rating, as this not only influences potential customers but also plays a crucial role in your ranking. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews right after their experience.
• Complete and Verified Google Business Profile: Ensure your Google Business Profile is fully filled out, verified, and up to date. Many businesses neglect this, creating a significant opportunity for you to stand out.
• City Name in Your Website Content: Including the city or neighborhood you're targeting in your website content can enhance your ranking. Just ensure that it’s done naturally and not overused.
• Your Google Business Profile Category: Choose the most relevant primary and additional categories for your business. This is critical for helping Google understand your business and improving your ranking.

Should Dos: Important Factors to Consider

While the must-dos form the foundation of your local SEO strategy, there are other important factors that you should not overlook.

• Quality of Reviews: While the quantity of reviews matters, the quality—reflected in star ratings—has a more substantial impact. Strive for five-star reviews to enhance your credibility and attractiveness to potential customers.
• Keywords in Landing Page Headings: Incorporating your target keywords into the headings of your landing page can boost your SEO. Aim to include them in both the H1 and H2 tags for maximum effect.
• Dedicated Service Pages: If possible, create dedicated pages for each service you offer. This not only helps with organic searches but also reinforces what you offer to Google.
• Internal Links: Utilize internal linking to connect various pages on your website. This strategy enhances user experience and helps Google understand your site structure better.
• Consistent Citations: While consistency in your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across various online platforms is less critical than before, it still helps to maintain accurate citations.

Good to Haves: Enhancements to Consider

These factors can enhance your SEO efforts but are not as critical as the must-dos and should-dos. They can provide additional benefits if implemented correctly.

• Quantity of Reviews: While quality is more important, having a higher number of reviews can still positively affect your ranking. Aim for as many positive reviews as possible.
• Location Proximity: Your physical location relative to the city center can influence your ranking. However, if you cannot control this, focus on other factors that you can manage.
• Keywords in Google Business Profile: While including keywords in your Google Business Profile is a good idea, it is not as impactful as other strategies. Use them where appropriate without forcing them in.

Do When There's Time: Optional Factors

These factors are not essential but can provide benefits if you have the time and resources to dedicate to them.

• Backlinks from Other Websites: While backlinks still hold some value, they require significant effort to obtain. Prioritize obtaining backlinks from local and industry-relevant websites.
• Social Signals: Despite the common belief that social media engagement helps with SEO, it does not directly affect your rankings. Use social media for marketing rather than relying on it for SEO.

Wastes of Time: What to Avoid

Finally, there are certain strategies that you should avoid as they yield little to no benefit for your local SEO.

• Geotagging Images: This outdated practice of adding location data to images is no longer effective for improving your ranking.
• Service Area Listings: While listing service areas might seem beneficial, it does not contribute to your ranking in those areas. Focus on other strategies instead.

Conclusion: The Path to Local SEO Success

Improving your local SEO ranking requires a strategic approach focusing on the right factors. By understanding and prioritizing these elements, you can significantly enhance your visibility in the Google Map Pack and attract more customers to your business.

Start by implementing the must-dos, then gradually incorporate the should-dos and good-to-haves. Avoid wasting time on ineffective strategies, and stay committed to optimizing your online presence. With consistent effort, you can outrank your competition and achieve the visibility your business deserves.

Remember, the landscape of SEO is always changing. Keep yourself updated on the latest trends and be ready to adapt your strategy as needed. Your business's success depends on it!