So, you’ve optimized your client’s website, completed their Google Business Profile, and even focused on local SEO. Yet, somehow, their business still isn’t showing up in the Google Map Pack.
Worse, local competitors who aren’t doing half the work you are seem to be ranking higher than them. Every day your client isn’t showing up in that coveted top spot, they’re losing out on business.
In this guide, we’re breaking down 20 local SEO ranking factors that will push your clients up the map pack rankings.
We’ll cover what’s essential for your local SEO efforts, what’s nice to have, and which myths to avoid. Make sure to setup the keywords on a local rank tracker to measure your business performance in Google map pack.
Table of Contents
We’ll also give you an actionable tiered ranking system to focus on what truly matters.
1. Your Client’s Business Name: Use It Wisely
When it comes to local SEO, including target keywords in your client’s business name can help, but only if it sounds natural.
If your client runs a law firm, adding “Family Law” to the business name can make a difference. But don’t stuff it with keywords just to rank higher—Google has guidelines, and violating them can hurt your client more than help.
Tier: Recommended – Only do this if it’s natural and doesn’t look like spam.
2. Optimizing the Client’s Landing Page Title with Keywords
Your client’s website landing page title is one of the most important elements for local SEO.
Adding the target keyword and location to the title helps signal to Google what their business does and where it’s located. This is one of the easiest fixes to boost your client’s local SEO rankings.
Tier: Essential – Update the meta title of the homepage or primary landing page for better results.
3. Google Reviews: Quality Over Quantity
It’s not just about getting as many reviews as possible. Google weighs the quality of reviews more than the quantity.
You want a steady stream of 4- or 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. This builds your client’s reputation and helps with local SEO ranking, especially when the reviews mention specific services or the location.
Tier: Recommended – Focus on getting quality, location- and service-related reviews for your client.
4. The Importance of Physical Location
Your client’s physical location affects how Google ranks them in the local pack.
Businesses closer to the center of a city tend to rank better. But, unless your client is moving locations, this isn’t something you can control. Instead, focus on other local SEO strategies to increase their chances of ranking well.
Tier: Nice-to-Have – It helps, but focus on strategies you can control for your client.
5. Location-Based Services: Not a Ranking Factor
Adding location details in your client’s Google Business Profile’s service areas won’t boost their local SEO ranking, although it’s great for clarifying where they offer services. Google tends to show businesses near the searcher, but specifying service areas won’t impact their ranking in those areas.
Tier: Avoid This – It’s not a ranking factor, so don’t spend time here.
6. Complete and Verified Google Business Profile
It’s simple—if your client doesn’t complete their Google Business Profile, they won’t rank well.
Make sure their profile is complete with accurate information, business hours, and verified ownership. This is one of the quickest ways to improve your client’s local SEO ranking. If you need help, working with a local SEO agency can streamline this process.
Tier: Essential – Verify your client’s business and fill out every section to improve their chances.
7. Google Categories: Pick the Right Ones
Google allows you to choose from thousands of categories for your client’s business.
Choosing the correct primary and secondary categories is critical for local SEO rankings.
For example, a dental office should select “Dentist” as the primary category and avoid a broader category like “Dental Clinic.”
Tier: Essential – Get this right to improve visibility in local SEO searches for your client.
8. Website Content: Include Local Keywords
Including your client’s target city or neighborhood in their website content helps Google match the site with relevant local SEO searches. However, you don’t need to overdo it. A few mentions in the title, headings, and body text are enough to signal the relevance.
Tier: Essential – Mention your client’s city or area strategically for better local SEO ranking.
9. Internal Linking: Strengthen Your Client’s Site Structure
Linking between your client’s pages (internal linking) helps Google understand the structure of the site and strengthens SEO. It’s a small but effective tactic that’s often overlooked.
Tier: Recommended – Make sure to include relevant internal links to boost your client’s site’s SEO.
10. Backlinks: Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Backlinks remain important for SEO, but they must come from relevant and reputable sites.
Focus on getting quality backlinks from local sources or industry-specific websites for your client. Don’t waste time trying to get backlinks from sites that won’t benefit their SEO.
Tier: Nice-to-Have – Focus on earning quality backlinks from reputable sources for your client.
11. NAP Consistency: Your Client’s Name, Address, and Phone Number
Ensure that your client’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across all online directories, including Yelp, Yellow Pages, and their website.
Google checks these signals to verify the business’s legitimacy, and inconsistency can hurt their rankings.
Tier: Essential – Keep your client’s NAP details consistent across the web.
12. Optimizing Photos for Local SEO
Upload high-quality images to your client’s Google Business Profile and website.
Google prefers businesses with photos, and it can increase customer engagement. Additionally, optimize your image filenames and alt texts by including local keywords.
Tier: Recommended – Upload relevant, optimized images regularly for your client.
13. Social Media Activity: It’s More Important Than You Think
Social media activity indirectly impacts local SEO by helping increase your client’s online presence. When you engage with your client’s audience, you build trust and increase brand awareness.
Google doesn’t directly use social signals for ranking, but active social profiles can boost your client’s reputation.
Tier: Nice-to-Have – Engage with followers to increase brand awareness for your client.
14. Citations: Get Listed in Local Directories
Local citations are mentions of your client’s business across online directories. Getting listed in high-authority, local directories can help improve their local ranking.
Make sure to submit your client’s business to reliable directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or local chamber of commerce sites.
Tier: Recommended – Don’t neglect this—citations help verify your client’s local presence.
15. Mobile Optimization: Is Your Client’s Website Mobile-Friendly?
Google gives preference to mobile-friendly websites, especially for local SEO searches.
With most searches happening on mobile devices, a responsive website is a must. If your client’s site isn’t optimized for mobile, they risk losing potential customers and rankings.
Tier: Essential – Make sure your client’s website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.
16. Local Schema Markup: Help Google Understand Your Client’s Business
Local schema markup is code added to your client’s site that helps search engines understand the business better.
It can improve the chances of showing up in rich snippets, local packs, and other Google features. If you haven’t added schema yet, it’s time to start.
Tier: Recommended – Add local schema markup to improve your client’s chances of appearing in rich snippets.
17. Google Q&A: Take Control of Your Client’s Questions
The Google Q&A section on your client’s Google Business Profile is often overlooked, but it’s a great opportunity to engage with customers and provide accurate information. Proactively answer questions and monitor the section regularly.
Tier: Nice-to-Have – Respond to questions quickly to enhance your client’s profile’s credibility.
18 Website Speed: Google Prioritizes Fast Sites
A slow website can hurt your client’s rankings, especially on mobile devices. Google uses page load speed as a ranking factor, so make sure your client’s website loads quickly and efficiently on both desktop and mobile devices.
Tier: Essential – Ensure fast page load times to improve your client’s user experience and rankings.
19. Content Freshness: Update Your Client’s Content Regularly
Google favors fresh content, so regularly updating your client’s blog, services pages, and website content will keep the site relevant. Fresh content signals to Google that the business is active and up-to-date, which can positively affect the ranking.
Tier: Nice-to-Have – Keep your client’s content updated for better relevance and engagement.
20. User Engagement: Google Values Interaction
Engagement metrics like click-through rates, bounce rates, and time spent on the site are important. The more people engage with your client’s site, the more Google sees it as relevant. Make sure your client’s site’s content is engaging and encourages visitors to take action.
Tier: Recommended – Create engaging content to increase interaction and improve rankings.
Conclusion
By focusing on these 20 local SEO ranking factors, you can elevate your client’s business to the top of the Google Map Pack and attract more local customers. Start implementing these strategies today, and your clients will see results over time. Remember, local SEO isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building a strong, sustainable online presence for your clients.
Whether you’re working with an agency for local SEO or managing the strategy in-house, these tips will help you refine your client’s local SEO strategy and set them on the path to success.
If you’re serious about dominating the Google Map Pack, you need SEO software that specializes in local SEO.
That’s where Seomodify steps in, offering agencies the perfect toolkit to boost their clients’ rankings. From a powerful local grid tracker to a flexible pay-as-you-use credit model, it’s built with your needs in mind.
Start strong with our SEO Software for agencies with 300 free credits and see the difference Seomodify makes.