Article · Research report

Local Search Ranking Factors 2026

Whitespark · whitespark.ca Free Intermediate

The long-running survey of local SEO experts on what ranks a business in Google's map pack. The 2026 top factors are primary category, distance from the searcher, keywords in the business name, a physical address in the city and being open at the time of search.

  • Choose the most specific primary category, then add secondary ones.
  • Quantity, rating and recency of Google reviews all sit in the top factors.
  • Set accurate hours: being open when someone searches helps.
Open on whitespark.ca ↗

It answers 2 questions

  1. How do I get more Google reviews for my business?
  2. How do I get my business to rank on Google Maps?

Read with it

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  2. Google's page on generating a review link or QR code from your profile, with where to use it: receipts, thank-you emails, the... support.google.com Article · Help page Create a Google link or QR code to request reviews Google
  3. BrightLocal's annual survey of how consumers read local reviews. The 2026 edition finds 97% read reviews, 74% only care about... brightlocal.com Article · Research report Local Consumer Review Survey 2026 BrightLocal
  4. The official page on verification: phone or text, email, live video call, video recording or postcard, with Google choosing... support.google.com Article · Help page Verify your business on Google (Google Business Profile Help) Google
  5. Google's guidance on asking for reviews and replying to them, including how to answer a negative review without making it worse. support.google.com Article · Help page Tips to get more reviews and write better replies Google
  6. How to read, reply to, edit and share reviews from your profile, and what happens after you reply. support.google.com Article · Help page Manage customer reviews (Google Business Profile Help) Google
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