Key takeaways
- Profile completeness, website quality, and reviews matter most.
- NAP consistency across the web matters. Fix inconsistencies.
- Schema markup and local pages help Google understand you.
Local search ranking depends on a mix of signals: your Google Business Profile, your website, reviews, and citations. Here's what matters most in 2026.
Google Business Profile
Completeness, accuracy, and engagement. A full profile with correct NAP, regular posts, and photos wins. So do reviews and responses.
Website
Local pages with unique content, location-specific keywords, and fast load times. Schema markup (LocalBusiness) helps Google understand you.
Citations and consistency
Your business name, address, and phone (NAP) should appear consistently across the web. Directories, social profiles, and partner sites. Inconsistency confuses Google.
Reviews
Quantity, quality, and recency. More genuine reviews with responses signal trust. Google weighs them heavily.
FAQs
Profile improvements can show in weeks. Full local SEO efforts often take 3–6 months.
Each location needs its own profile and page. Avoid cannibalisation with unique content.