The experts have spoken. Here are the 2020 Local Search Ranking Factors.

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Announcing the 2020 Local Search Ranking Factors

The 2020 Local Search Ranking Factors have been analyzed. The experts have spoken. The results are in! Since the last survey was published, there have been so many changes. Tactics and strategies are shifting, there's an increase in the monetization of local search results, and Google is expanding GMB features. 

Here's a breakdown of the top the Local Pack/Finder and Local Organic ranking factors:

What's Changed in Local Pack Ranking Factors? 

Growing Importance

1. Google My Business

2. Reviews

3. On-page

4. Links

Declining Importance

1. Citations

2. Behavioral

3. Personalization 

What's Moving the Needle For Local Experts?

Here's a sneak peek at some of the commentary

Allie Margeson | Whitespark 

"Spam fighting has become increasingly important for clients in some categories with higher spam density so we've dedicated more time and efforts to this tactic over the past year."

Miriam Ellis | Moz

"1) Brand accessibility/communication, 2) Review management as fundamental to customer service, and 3) Customer-brand affinity (not just customers discovering you -- customers liking you). In hard times, these are the three conversion and loyalty factors I believe could make a world of difference for local business viability."

Mike Ramsey | Nifty Marketing

"Long term winners in local are focusing on reviews. Quality and quantity. You can show up for a lot of random terms in maps if reviews on google and around the web are talking about it."