EntitySEO.wikiThe Entity SEO Reference

Local SEO

From EntitySEO.wiki, the entity SEO reference · Last reviewed · By · Published by Local Blitz · How we research

Local SEO helps a business appear when people search for nearby products or services, especially in Google Maps and the local pack. Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. The core work is a complete, verified Google Business Profile, consistent name, address and phone details, genuine reviews and useful location pages.

How does Google rank local results?

Google names three main factors:[1] Officially documented

What are the local SEO essentials?

  1. Claim and verify your Business Profile.[2][3]
  2. Follow the guidelines: use your real-world business name without added keywords, and an accurate address or service area.[4]
  3. Complete the profile: categories, hours, services, photos and a website link.
  4. Keep NAP consistent across your site, profiles and directories (NAP and citations). Practitioner practice
  5. Earn genuine reviews and reply to them. Google prohibits fake engagement, and the FTC bans fake reviews.[5][6]
  6. Publish location pages with real local detail and LocalBusiness markup.[7]

Why is local SEO an entity problem?

A local business is an entity with a precise location. Google’s LocalBusiness documentation says business details can appear in a knowledge panel when people search for the business.[7] Officially documented Every inconsistent address, old phone number or duplicate listing makes it harder to decide which facts are right. See local SEO entities and Google Business Profile for the entity side.

How does local SEO affect AI answers?

Google advises keeping your Business Profile up to date for its AI features.[8] Officially documented AEO.wiki covers local answers in local AEO.

Frequently asked questions

What are the three local ranking factors?

Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence.

Can I add keywords to my Business Profile name?

No. Google's guidelines say the name should reflect the real-world business name; adding keywords can lead to suspension.

Do reviews affect local rankings?

Google says prominence includes how many reviews a business has, and that more reviews and positive ratings can help local ranking.

References

Pages accessed September 29, 2026 unless a date is given. See all sources and our editorial policy.

  1. ^ "Tips to improve your local ranking on Google". Google Business Profile Help.
  2. ^ "Add or claim your Business Profile on Google". Google Business Profile Help.
  3. ^ "Verify your business on Google". Google Business Profile Help.
  4. ^ "Guidelines for representing your business on Google". Google Business Profile Help.
  5. ^ "Maps user-generated content policy: fake engagement". Google Maps Help.
  6. ^ "Federal Trade Commission announces final rule banning fake reviews and testimonials". U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Published August 14, 2024.
  7. ^ "Local business structured data". Google Search Central.
  8. ^ "AI features and your website". Google Search Central. Last updated December 10, 2025.
Categories: Search engine optimization