How does local search work?

Proximity to a search engine is the number one factor in Google's local search ranking. Google is smart enough for the search engine to deduce local intent, even if the search engine doesn't include “near me” in its query. Google also adjusts the results depending on whether the user includes a location in their search.

Local SEO

is the practice of search engine optimization for local search results.

In computer science, local search is a heuristic method for solving computationally complex optimization problems. The local search can be used in problems that can be formulated, such as the search for a solution that maximizes a criterion among a series of candidate solutions. Local search algorithms move from one solution to another in the candidate solution space (the search space) by applying local changes, until a solution that is considered optimal is found or a deadline has elapsed. For a more formal definition, local search marketing is a form of search engine optimization that helps local businesses appear in relevant local searches.

Local search marketing is everything you do online or offline to promote a physical company that establishes face-to-face contact with its customers. It applies to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a single location, to national business brands and to chains. If a company meets with its customers directly, whether through a store or a service area, it is called a “local business” and a unique set of techniques and skills can be used to increase its visibility on the Internet. The online component of local search marketing is called “local SEO” or local search engine optimization.

To appear higher in local results, companies and marketers must understand how the local search algorithm works. Local SEO is one of the main practices that help increase the visibility of a company and generate more sales. Constantly update the local search algorithm to determine which company will rank at the top of local search results. Quotes are a great way for people to learn about local businesses and have an impact on local search results.

Increase your local SEO visibility with easy directory distribution, review management, listing updates and more. Almost all local SEO techniques require continuous effort, as each company invests in the continuous growth of visibility and brand recognition within a specific community. Local algorithms check Google My Business (GMB) lists to determine where to position a company in local search rankings. Selecting the right categories for your local business listing is one of the crucial factors in positioning yourself locally.

SEOs and marketers should consider updates to Google's local search algorithm and make the necessary changes to rank higher. A big part of local search marketing is making your business appear in that local package so that consumers can find and choose you. However, achieving better local SEO rankings isn't a walk in the park, especially due to increased competition. Organic listings are another great opportunity for your local business to appear among motivated search engines when Google determines that the query has a local intent.

So, while local and organic SEO are interconnected in these ways, each requires a unique strategy with different optimization tactics. .

Andrea Pedraza
Andrea Pedraza

Unapologetic bacon expert. Friendly web guru. Evil travel advocate. Avid tv ninja. Proud zombie maven.