More than 1 billion people use Google search. Aside from word-of-mouth, this is the primary source of obtaining information about new businesses around the world.
Now that you know how important Google search is, how can you be found on local search? Google takes four key factors into consideration when ranking businesses on local search:
- Relevance: The first way to be found on local searches is through relevance. This is measured by how well your business listing matches the search query. Because of this factor, your business information should always be extremely detailed and accurate.
- Distance: Distance is also factored into local search. Typically, if your business is close to the person searching for a particular term, it will be ranked higher on the search results. There is a way, however, to get around this. If a business is further away from a searcher’s location, but is more likely to have what they’re looking for than a business that’s closer, Google will rank it higher in local results.
- Prominence: If you are an established, well-known business, Google will reward you for that. According to Google, “Some places are more prominent in the offline world and search results try to reflect this in local ranking. For example, famous museums, landmark hotels, or well-known store brands that are familiar to many people are also likely to be prominent in local search results.” Prominence also includes the amount of information Google finds about a business across the web.
- Reviews: It is no surprise that reviews affect your local search ranking. Google doesn’t want to send you to a one-star business just as much as you don’t want to be sent to one. Positive reviews naturally boost your business in local search results. So, keep making your customers happy!
Maintaining accurate and consistent information on the internet can be a seemingly impossible task. Being present on multiple search engines, business listings, social media channels, and review sites is extremely beneficial for your business. With everything you are managing as a business owner, we know this may not be your first priority. That’s where we come in! Learn more about our Local Search and GBP for dentists.