In the dynamic world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses aiming to improve their online presence. At Best SEO, we specialize in providing top-tier SEO services designed to enhance your visibility and drive growth. In this article, we delve into the key local SEO ranking factors 2018, offering valuable insights to help your business succeed in local search.

The Importance of Local SEO

Why Focus on Local SEO?

Local SEO ranking factors 2018 is essential for businesses that rely on local customers. By optimizing your online presence for local searches, you ensure that your business appears prominently when potential customers search for services or products in your area. This visibility translates into increased foot traffic, online inquiries, and ultimately, higher revenue.

Key Local SEO Ranking Factors 2018

1. Google My Business (GMB) Signals

Google My Business (GMB) is a critical component of local SEO. In 2018, GMB signals were among the top ranking factors for local search.

• Completeness of Profile: Ensure that your GMB profile is fully completed with accurate business information, including address, phone number, and operating hours.
• Categories: Select the most relevant categories for your business to help Google understand what you offer.
• Photos: Add high-quality photos of your business, products, and services to attract potential customers.
• Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and respond to them promptly.

2. On-Page SEO Factors

On-page SEO continues to play a vital role in local search rankings. Key on-page factors in 2018 included:

• NAP Consistency: Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across your website and all online profiles.
• Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Optimize these elements with relevant local keywords.
• Localized Content: Create content that addresses local topics and includes geo-targeted keywords.

3. Citation Signals

Citations, or mentions of your business on other websites, are crucial for local SEO. In 2018, citation signals were significant ranking factors.

• Consistency: Ensure that your NAP information is consistent across all citations.
• Quality Directories: Submit your business to reputable local and industry-specific directories.
• Quantity: Increase the number of citations to improve your local search rankings.

4. Review Signals

Online reviews are powerful ranking factors for local SEO. In 2018, the quantity, quality, and velocity of reviews were critical.

• Encourage Reviews: Ask your satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and other relevant platforms.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with customers by responding to their reviews, both positive and negative.
• Review Velocity: Maintain a steady stream of incoming reviews to signal to search engines that your business is active and trustworthy.

5. Behavioral Signals

Search engines also consider user behavior when determining local rankings. Key behavioral signals in 2018 included:

• Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users who click on your business listing when it appears in search results.
• Mobile Clicks to Call: The number of users who click the call button on your mobile GMB listing.
• Check-Ins: The number of users who check in at your location on social media platforms.

6. Link Signals

Backlinks from other websites to your own are crucial for SEO. In 2018, link signals were still a significant factor for local search rankings.

• Quality Backlinks: Focus on acquiring backlinks from reputable websites.
• Local Backlinks: Obtain backlinks from local websites, such as local news sites and community blogs.
• Anchor Text: Use relevant keywords in the anchor text of your backlinks.

7. Social Signals

Although their direct impact on SEO can be debated, social signals were believed to influence local search rankings in 2018.

• Engagement: Increase engagement on your social media profiles through likes, shares, and comments.
• Consistency: Regularly update your social media profiles with relevant content.
• Local Focus: Share content that is relevant to your local audience to drive engagement.

How Best SEO Can Help

At Best SEO, we stay ahead of the latest trends and best practices in local SEO to ensure our clients achieve the best results. Our comprehensive local SEO ranking factors 2018 services include:

• GMB Optimization: We optimize your Google My Business profile to improve your visibility in local search results.
• On-Page SEO: We enhance your website’s on-page elements to boost your local search rankings.
• Citation Building: We ensure your business is listed accurately on reputable directories.
• Review Management: We help you manage your online reviews to maintain a positive reputation.
• Link Building: We acquire high-quality backlinks to strengthen your online authority.

FAQs About Local SEO Ranking Factors 2018

What are the key ranking factors in local SEO for 2018?

The primary factors influencing local SEO rankings factors 2018 include Google My Business optimization, local citations, on-page SEO with local keywords, online reviews, and local backlinks.

How important is Google My Business for local SEO ranking factors 2018?

Google My Business (GMB) is crucial for local SEO ranking factors 2018 as it directly impacts local pack rankings and visibility in Google Maps. Optimizing GMB profiles with accurate business information, photos, and regular updates can significantly improve local search rankings.

What role do online reviews play in local SEO ranking factors 2018?

Online reviews are critical in 2018 for local SEO as they signal trustworthiness and credibility to search engines and potential customers. Businesses with positive reviews and high ratings tend to rank higher in local search results.

How can local citations impact local SEO ranking factors 2018?

Local citations, which are mentions of a business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP), play a vital role in local SEO ranking factors 2018. Consistent and accurate citations across various online directories and platforms help validate a business’s location and improve its local search visibility.

What are the best practices for optimizing on-page SEO with local keywords in 2018?

To optimize on-page SEO for local keywords in 2018, businesses should include relevant local keywords in title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and content. Additionally, incorporating location-based schema markup can help search engines understand the local relevance of the content.

Conclusion

Understanding the key local SEO ranking factors 2018 is essential for any business looking to improve its online visibility and attract local customers. At Best SEO, we are dedicated to helping businesses succeed with our tailored local SEO services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you dominate local search results and drive growth.