Local SEO Local SEO Ranking Factors

Question 1

According to Whitespark's Local Search Ranking Factors survey, which category is consistently the top driver of local pack rankings?

Accepted Answer

Google Business Profile signals

Answer

On-page SEO signals

Answer

Review signals

Answer

Behavioral signals

Question 2

What role does 'proximity' play in local search rankings?

Accepted Answer

It is a core ranking factor — businesses physically closer to the searcher often rank higher

Answer

It is a minor factor that can be overridden by reviews

Answer

It only affects rankings for mobile users

Answer

Proximity matters only for paid local ads, not organic results

Question 3

What is the 'local pack' in Google search results?

Accepted Answer

The map-based block showing 3 local business listings for a query

Answer

A group of locally-targeted Google Ads at the top of results

Answer

A collection of local news articles related to a search

Answer

Google's local affiliate marketing program

Question 4

How does 'relevance' factor into Google's local ranking algorithm?

Accepted Answer

It determines how well a business profile matches what someone is searching for

Answer

It measures how often a business pays for Google Ads

Answer

It is based solely on the number of photos in the GBP listing

Answer

It reflects how long the business has been registered with Google

Question 5

Which on-page SEO factor has the greatest impact on local organic rankings (below the map pack)?

Accepted Answer

Title tags and meta descriptions containing the target keyword and city

Answer

Image alt text optimization

Answer

Page load speed above 10 seconds

Answer

Number of outbound links on the page

Question 6

What is 'prominence' in the context of Google's three local ranking factors?

Accepted Answer

How well-known a business is based on links, reviews, and online mentions

Answer

The physical size of a business location

Answer

The number of paid ads a business runs

Answer

The age of the business's Google Business Profile