{"id":800,"date":"2024-11-21T04:13:44","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T04:13:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/?p=800"},"modified":"2026-04-15T03:32:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T03:32:00","slug":"20-local-seo-ranking-factors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/20-local-seo-ranking-factors\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Local SEO Ranking Factors Every SEO Agency Must Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So, you\u2019ve optimized your client\u2019s website, completed their Google Business Profile, and even focused on local SEO. Yet, somehow, their business still isn\u2019t showing up in the Google Map Pack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Worse, local competitors who aren\u2019t doing half the work you are seem to be ranking higher than them. Every day your client isn\u2019t showing up in that coveted top spot, they\u2019re losing out on business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Google-Local-3-Pack-1-1024x484.webp\" alt=\"Google Local 3-Pack explanation: It is important to consider when looking for SEO software for agencies.\" class=\"wp-image-270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Google-Local-3-Pack-1-1024x484.webp 1024w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Google-Local-3-Pack-1-300x142.webp 300w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Google-Local-3-Pack-1-768x363.webp 768w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Google-Local-3-Pack-1-1536x725.webp 1536w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Google-Local-3-Pack-1.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019re breaking down 20 local SEO ranking factors that will push your clients up the map pack rankings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll cover what\u2019s essential for your local SEO efforts, what\u2019s nice to have, and which myths to avoid. Make sure to setup the keywords on a <a href=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/local-rank-tracker\">local rank tracker<\/a> to measure your business performance in Google map pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><div><div><a href=\"#1-your-clients-business-name-use-it-wisely\">1. Your Client\u2019s Business Name: Use It Wisely<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#2-optimizing-the-clients-landing-page-title-with-keywords\">2. Optimizing the Client\u2019s Landing Page Title with Keywords<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#3-google-reviews-quality-over-quantity\">3. Google Reviews: Quality Over Quantity<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#4-the-importance-of-physical-location\">4. The Importance of Physical Location<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#5-location-based-services-not-a-ranking-factor\">5. Location-Based Services: Not a Ranking Factor<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#6-complete-and-verified-google-business-profile\">6. Complete and Verified Google Business Profile<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#7-google-categories-pick-the-right-ones\">7. Google Categories: Pick the Right Ones<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#8-website-content-include-local-keywords\">8. Website Content: Include Local Keywords<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#9-internal-linking-strengthen-your-clients-site-structure\">9. Internal Linking: Strengthen Your Client\u2019s Site Structure<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#10-backlinks-focus-on-quality-not-quantity\">10. Backlinks: Focus on Quality, Not Quantity<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#11-nap-consistency-your-clients-name-address-and-phone-number\">11. NAP Consistency: Your Client\u2019s Name, Address, and Phone Number<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#12-optimizing-photos-for-local-seo\">12. Optimizing Photos for Local SEO<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#13-social-media-activity-its-more-important-than-you-think\">13. Social Media Activity: It\u2019s More Important Than You Think<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#14-citations-get-listed-in-local-directories\">14. Citations: Get Listed in Local Directories<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#15-mobile-optimization-is-your-clients-website-mobile-friendly\">15. Mobile Optimization: Is Your Client\u2019s Website Mobile-Friendly?<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#16-local-schema-markup-help-google-understand-your-clients-business\">16. Local Schema Markup: Help Google Understand Your Client\u2019s Business<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#17-google-q-a-take-control-of-your-clients-questions\">17. Google Q&amp;A: Take Control of Your Client\u2019s Questions<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#18-website-speed-google-prioritizes-fast-sites\">18 Website Speed: Google Prioritizes Fast Sites<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#19-content-freshness-update-your-clients-content-regularly\">19. Content Freshness: Update Your Client\u2019s Content Regularly<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#20-user-engagement-google-values-interaction\">20. User Engagement: Google Values Interaction<\/a><\/div><div><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll also give you an actionable tiered ranking system to focus on what truly matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"1-your-clients-business-name-use-it-wisely\">1. Your Client\u2019s Business Name: Use It Wisely<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to local SEO, including target keywords in your client\u2019s business name can help, but only if it sounds natural.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"712\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/keyword-heavy-domain-name.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/keyword-heavy-domain-name.png 712w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/keyword-heavy-domain-name-300x212.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 712px) 100vw, 712px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If your client runs a law firm, adding &#8220;Family Law&#8221; to the business name can make a difference. But don\u2019t stuff it with keywords just to rank higher\u2014Google has guidelines, and violating them can hurt your client more than help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84d3f65e58945c8fd6619def6b78418a\"><em>Tier: Recommended \u2013 Only do this if it\u2019s natural and doesn\u2019t look like spam.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"2-optimizing-the-clients-landing-page-title-with-keywords\">2. Optimizing the Client\u2019s Landing Page Title with Keywords<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your client\u2019s website landing page title is one of the most important elements for local SEO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding the target keyword and location to the title helps signal to Google what their business does and where it\u2019s located. This is one of the easiest fixes to boost your client\u2019s local SEO rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Essential \u2013 Update the meta title of the homepage or primary landing page for better results.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"3-google-reviews-quality-over-quantity\">3. Google Reviews: Quality Over Quantity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not just about getting as many reviews as possible. Google weighs the quality of reviews more than the quantity. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-reviews-impact-on-seo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-829\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-reviews-impact-on-seo.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-reviews-impact-on-seo-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-reviews-impact-on-seo-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/embedsocial.com\/blog\/google-reviews-seo-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;Google has stated that reviews are a factor in their local search ranking algorithm which means that&nbsp;<strong>positive Google reviews can significantly increase your local search ranking.<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8220;<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>You want a steady stream of 4- or 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. This builds your client\u2019s reputation and helps with local SEO ranking, especially when the reviews mention specific services or the location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Recommended \u2013 Focus on getting quality, location- and service-related reviews for your client.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"4-the-importance-of-physical-location\">4. The Importance of Physical Location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your client\u2019s physical location affects how Google ranks them in the local pack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses closer to the center of a city tend to rank better. But, unless your client is moving locations, this isn\u2019t something you can control. Instead, focus on other local SEO strategies to increase their chances of ranking well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Nice-to-Have \u2013 It helps, but focus on strategies you can control for your client.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"5-location-based-services-not-a-ranking-factor\">5. Location-Based Services: Not a Ranking Factor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding location details in your client\u2019s Google Business Profile\u2019s service areas won\u2019t boost their local SEO ranking, although it\u2019s great for clarifying where they offer services. Google tends to show businesses near the searcher, but specifying service areas won\u2019t impact their ranking in those areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Avoid This \u2013 It\u2019s not a ranking factor, so don\u2019t spend time here.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"6-complete-and-verified-google-business-profile\">6. Complete and Verified Google Business Profile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1019\" height=\"593\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-my-business-rebrands-to-google-business-profile-heres-what-that-means-for-your-business-188097.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-835\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-my-business-rebrands-to-google-business-profile-heres-what-that-means-for-your-business-188097.avif 1019w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-my-business-rebrands-to-google-business-profile-heres-what-that-means-for-your-business-188097-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-my-business-rebrands-to-google-business-profile-heres-what-that-means-for-your-business-188097-768x447.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1019px) 100vw, 1019px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s simple\u2014if your client doesn\u2019t complete their Google Business Profile, they won\u2019t rank well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s local SEO ranking. If you need help, working with a local SEO agency can streamline this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Essential \u2013 Verify your client\u2019s business and fill out every section to improve their chances.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"7-google-categories-pick-the-right-ones\">7. Google Categories: Pick the Right Ones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Google allows you to choose from thousands of categories for your client\u2019s business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the correct primary and secondary categories is critical for local SEO rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a dental office should select &#8220;Dentist&#8221; as the primary category and avoid a broader category like &#8220;Dental Clinic.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"914\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Primary-Category-Google-Business-Profile-Top-of-Article-min.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-838\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Primary-Category-Google-Business-Profile-Top-of-Article-min.png 914w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Primary-Category-Google-Business-Profile-Top-of-Article-min-300x230.png 300w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Primary-Category-Google-Business-Profile-Top-of-Article-min-768x590.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 914px) 100vw, 914px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Essential \u2013 Get this right to improve visibility in local SEO searches for your client.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"8-website-content-include-local-keywords\">8. Website Content: Include Local Keywords<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Including your client\u2019s target city or neighborhood in their website content helps Google match the site with relevant local SEO searches. However, you don\u2019t need to overdo it. A few mentions in the title, headings, and body text are enough to signal the relevance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Essential \u2013 Mention your client\u2019s city or area strategically for better local SEO ranking.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"9-internal-linking-strengthen-your-clients-site-structure\">9. Internal Linking: Strengthen Your Client\u2019s Site Structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Linking between your client\u2019s pages (internal linking) helps Google understand the structure of the site and strengthens SEO. It\u2019s a small but effective tactic that\u2019s often overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Recommended \u2013 Make sure to include relevant internal links to boost your client\u2019s site\u2019s SEO.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"10-backlinks-focus-on-quality-not-quantity\">10. Backlinks: Focus on Quality, Not Quantity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Backlinks remain important for SEO, but they must come from relevant and reputable sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on getting quality backlinks from local sources or industry-specific websites for your client. Don\u2019t waste time trying to get backlinks from sites that won\u2019t benefit their SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Nice-to-Have \u2013 Focus on earning quality backlinks from reputable sources for your client.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/How-to-get-high-quality-backlinks-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-843\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/How-to-get-high-quality-backlinks-1.webp 1024w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/How-to-get-high-quality-backlinks-1-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/How-to-get-high-quality-backlinks-1-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"11-nap-consistency-your-clients-name-address-and-phone-number\">11. NAP Consistency: Your Client\u2019s Name, Address, and Phone Number<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure that your client\u2019s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across all online directories, including Yelp, Yellow Pages, and their website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google checks these signals to verify the business\u2019s legitimacy, and inconsistency can hurt their rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Essential \u2013 Keep your client\u2019s NAP details consistent across the web.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"12-optimizing-photos-for-local-seo\">12. Optimizing Photos for Local SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Upload high-quality images to your client\u2019s Google Business Profile and website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google prefers businesses with photos, and it can increase customer engagement. Additionally, optimize your image filenames and alt texts by including local keywords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Recommended \u2013 Upload relevant, optimized images regularly for your client.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"13-social-media-activity-its-more-important-than-you-think\">13. Social Media Activity: It\u2019s More Important Than You Think<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media activity indirectly impacts local SEO by helping increase your client\u2019s online presence. When you engage with your client\u2019s audience, you build trust and increase brand awareness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google doesn\u2019t directly use social signals for ranking, but active social profiles can boost your client\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Nice-to-Have \u2013 Engage with followers to increase brand awareness for your client.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"14-citations-get-listed-in-local-directories\">14. Citations: Get Listed in Local Directories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Local citations are mentions of your client\u2019s business across online directories. Getting listed in high-authority, local directories can help improve their <a href=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/local-rank-tracker\">local ranking<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to submit your client\u2019s business to reliable directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or local chamber of commerce sites.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"991\" height=\"496\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/local-citations-991x496-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/local-citations-991x496-1.webp 991w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/local-citations-991x496-1-300x150.webp 300w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/local-citations-991x496-1-768x384.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 991px) 100vw, 991px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/daltonluka.com\/blog\/local-citations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;A key component of local rankings are attributed to local citations. This is because they contribute a considerable amount to Google\u2019s local rankings factors (approximately 10%).&#8221;<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Recommended \u2013 Don\u2019t neglect this\u2014citations help verify your client\u2019s local presence.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"15-mobile-optimization-is-your-clients-website-mobile-friendly\">15. Mobile Optimization: Is Your Client\u2019s Website Mobile-Friendly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Google gives preference to mobile-friendly websites, especially for local SEO searches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With most searches happening on mobile devices, a responsive website is a must. If your client\u2019s site isn\u2019t optimized for mobile, they risk losing potential customers and rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Essential \u2013 Make sure your client\u2019s website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"16-local-schema-markup-help-google-understand-your-clients-business\">16. Local Schema Markup: Help Google Understand Your Client\u2019s Business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Local schema markup is code added to your client\u2019s site that helps search engines understand the business better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can improve the chances of showing up in rich snippets, local packs, and other Google features. If you haven\u2019t added schema yet, it\u2019s time to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Recommended \u2013 Add local schema markup to improve your client\u2019s chances of appearing in rich snippets.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"715\" src=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/difference-schema-markup-vs-no-markup-1024x715.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-849\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/difference-schema-markup-vs-no-markup-1024x715.webp 1024w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/difference-schema-markup-vs-no-markup-300x210.webp 300w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/difference-schema-markup-vs-no-markup-768x536.webp 768w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/difference-schema-markup-vs-no-markup-1536x1073.webp 1536w, https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/difference-schema-markup-vs-no-markup.webp 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"17-google-q-a-take-control-of-your-clients-questions\">17. Google Q&amp;A: Take Control of Your Client\u2019s Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Google Q&amp;A section on your client\u2019s Google Business Profile is often overlooked, but it\u2019s a great opportunity to engage with customers and provide accurate information. Proactively answer questions and monitor the section regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Nice-to-Have \u2013 Respond to questions quickly to enhance your client\u2019s profile\u2019s credibility.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"18-website-speed-google-prioritizes-fast-sites\">18 Website Speed: Google Prioritizes Fast Sites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A slow website can hurt your client\u2019s rankings, especially on mobile devices. Google uses page load speed as a ranking factor, so make sure your client\u2019s website loads quickly and efficiently on both desktop and mobile devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Essential \u2013 Ensure fast page load times to improve your client\u2019s user experience and rankings.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"19-content-freshness-update-your-clients-content-regularly\">19. Content Freshness: Update Your Client\u2019s Content Regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Google favors fresh content, so regularly updating your client\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tier: Nice-to-Have \u2013 Keep your client\u2019s content updated for better relevance and engagement.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"20-user-engagement-google-values-interaction\">20. User Engagement: Google Values Interaction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Engagement metrics like click-through rates, bounce rates, and time spent on the site are important. The more people engage with your client\u2019s site, the more Google sees it as relevant. Make sure your client\u2019s site\u2019s content is engaging and encourages visitors to take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dd19ac8e800628e666e78fde02d0469b\"><em>Tier: Recommended \u2013 Create engaging content to increase interaction and improve rankings.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By focusing on these 20 local SEO ranking factors, you can elevate your client\u2019s 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\u2019t about quick fixes\u2014it\u2019s about building a strong, sustainable online presence for your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re working with an agency for local SEO or managing the strategy in-house, these tips will help you refine your client\u2019s local SEO strategy and set them on the path to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving in, it helps to know where your client currently stands. Tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/checklocalseo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CheckLocalSEO.com<\/a> let you run a free local SEO audit to instantly spot gaps in your client&#8217;s local presence\u2014from missing profile info to citation inconsistencies\u2014so you can prioritize the right fixes from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re serious about dominating the Google Map Pack, you need SEO software that specializes in local SEO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where Seomodify steps in, offering agencies the perfect toolkit to boost their clients\u2019 rankings. From a powerful local grid tracker to a flexible pay-as-you-use credit model, it\u2019s built with your needs in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/seomodify.com\">Start strong with our SEO Software for agencies<\/a> with 300 free credits and see the difference Seomodify makes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, you\u2019ve optimized your client\u2019s website, completed their Google Business Profile, and even focused on local SEO. Yet, somehow, their business still isn\u2019t showing up in the Google Map Pack. Worse, local competitors who aren\u2019t doing half the work you are seem to be ranking higher than them. Every day your client isn\u2019t showing up [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":854,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-on-page-seo","category-seo-software-for-agencies"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=800"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/800\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1294,"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/800\/revisions\/1294"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seomodify.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}