In business, Google’s “local search” has a large impact on how many users a company is recognized by, and how well known a brand, product, or service is.
Many organizations are likely to raise issues such as “I want to always maintain a high ranking” and “How can I get to the top?”
How are rankings determined for local searches, which are essential for a company’s growth?
Based on the settings announced by Google, we will explain the meaning of local search, the criteria for determining display ranking, and how to respond.
What is Google’s local search?
Google’s local search is a specification that changes search results depending on the user’s location, which is determined from the search point (location information). To put it simply, the results reflect the searched regions and current location, such as Kanto and Kansai, Tokyo and Osaka, etc.
For example, when a user wants to search for a hair salon near their home, the local specification allows nearby hair salons to be displayed at the top of the list.
This algorithm can be said to be a major issue that is important for companies doing business in the region and is the key to success.
Reference source:
What is Google’s local search? How are the rankings decided? How do I place an ad?
How to decide search ranking?
According to Google’s official announcement, three factors influence local search rankings: popularity, distance, and relevance.
Among these, “recognition” can be said to be an important factor in making decisions.
For example, the high level of recognition must be linked to the display of landmarks, historic buildings, museums, accommodations, and famous brand stores that are unique to the region and that everyone searches for and wants to know about. Because it is. It can be expected that articles and links that describe the search content, as well as the large number of reviews, are essential for determining rankings.
Distance from the location the user searched for is also important. Just as search results for stores are different in Tokyo and Osaka, different results are displayed for Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station even in the same city. In order to provide useful information to users, it is important to reflect distance.
In addition, in order for users to obtain information comfortably, it is important to consider how “relevant” it is to the searched content. Ideally, what you want to know will be instantly reflected in the results without stress and displayed at the top. Relevance can be said to be an essential indicator to accurately capture matching information.
Reference source:
What is Google’s local search? How are the rankings decided? How do I place an ad?
What are the measures for local search?
In order to rank high on Google, it is important to understand its specifications and take the correct “MEO” measures. In addition to taking similar measures for SEO, it is also necessary to increase the number of highly rated reviews through active communication with users, and to create attractive content on your own site.
It is also possible to place company advertisements in local searches. The key is to link Google AdWords and Google My Business to develop regionally specific advertisements and increase the number of customers.
Reference source:
What is Google’s local search? How are the rankings decided? How do I place an ad?
summary
Local search results have a huge impact on businesses. In a society that is expected to become more online in the future, it will be necessary to strengthen local searches and take measures to always stay at the top of the rankings. Even if you don’t see results in the short term, it is important to steadily implement basic measures and increase your company’s recognition and evaluation.
Reference source:
What is Google’s local search? How are the rankings decided? How do I place an ad?