Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google’s Updated Local Ranking Documentation
Google has streamlined its local ranking guidelines, removing detailed explanations and simplifying key factors. The Prominence section now emphasizes website links and reviews while dropping references to traditional SEO practices. This update reflects a shift toward clearer, more focused ranking criteria in local search results.
Optimixed’s Overview: Simplifying Google’s Local Ranking Factors for Better Clarity
Key Changes in Google’s Local Ranking Documentation
Google recently updated its local ranking documentation and tips, making the content more concise and less detailed than before. The major focus of the revision is the Prominence factor in local search rankings, which now highlights fewer elements and removes some long-standing SEO references.
What Was Changed?
- The previous mention that “Your position in web results is also a factor, so search engine optimization (SEO) best practices apply” has been completely removed.
- The description of Prominence now centers on how many websites link to your business and how many reviews you have, rather than including links, articles, and directories.
Implications of These Updates
This simplification suggests Google wants to focus local ranking more on direct signals like backlinks and customer reviews, potentially minimizing the impact of traditional SEO tactics on local prominence. While it is uncertain if this leads to immediate ranking shifts, it signals a clearer direction for local SEO strategies.
