You’ve poured your heart and soul into building your business. With all that investment, you can’t afford to overlook any aspect, including your online presence. Ignoring your local ranking on Google could significantly damage your bottom line.

Google uses a ranking algorithm with over 200 components, known as “signals,” to determine which businesses or services appear at the top of search results. With recent changes reducing the number of local results from seven to three, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your online presence. Here are 10 crucial signals to help improve your business’s ranking on Google.

1. Keywords

Keywords are essential for increasing your ranking. They are how people search the internet. If you’re not using the right keywords—the ones your customers would use to find your business—you won’t appear at the top of the local listings. Use basic language that everyone will understand. Avoid jargon and professional terminology that your customers may not know. For example, if you sell flux capacitors, use simple terms like “time travel” instead of complex scientific language.

2. Be Specific

When using keywords, specificity is key. This doesn’t mean using industry-specific jargon but rather being clear about what you offer. For example, if you’re a baker, specify whether you bake apple pies or pizza pies. Details help match what your customers are searching for. Also, incorporate local events and news into your content to show your involvement in the community.

3. Google My Business and Bing Places for Business

These free services allow you to claim a page for your business on Google and Bing, respectively. Claiming your business on these search engines can significantly increase your chances of appearing in search results. Include as much information as possible, such as address, logos, images, and descriptions. Complete and accurate listings help guide people to your business and improve your ranking.

4. Links

Google’s algorithm considers how well a business is known both offline and online. This prominence is determined by the presence of your business across the web, including links, articles, and directories. Quality backlinks from reputable sources, like your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau, can boost your prominence. Avoid unrelated backlinks, as they can appear suspicious.

5. Local Directories

Local directories like Yelp and Yellowpages.com boost your local rankings. Ensure your details are correct on these directories, as they often feature reviews that can further enhance your presence.

6. Reviews

Word of mouth is powerful, and this holds true online. Google places great emphasis on reviews, particularly those on your Google My Business page. Encourage customers to leave reviews and make it easy for them to do so. Address negative reviews promptly and professionally. Reviews on other sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Angie’s List also contribute to your ranking.

7. Think Mobile

Most internet searches are done on mobile devices. Since 2016, Google has prioritized mobile-first indexing, meaning it primarily crawls mobile versions of websites. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly to improve your chances of ranking higher.

8. Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter impact your ranking. A strong social media presence where people talk about your business can elevate your prominence ranking. Engage with your audience regularly to keep your social media profiles active and relevant.

9. Pictures

Photos showcase your products and services and appear on your Google My Business page. They help people recognize your business in search results. Google recommends adding photos, so follow their advice to enhance your local ranking.

10. Content

Content is king. Google’s algorithm favors relevant, high-quality content over keyword-stuffed pages. Establish yourself as an expert through comprehensive, informative articles and posts. Quality content will lead to more backlinks, positive reviews, and increased prominence.

Conclusion

With increased competition for local rankings, addressing these 10 factors can significantly boost your online presence. Stay diligent about optimizing your keywords, claiming your business on search engines, building quality links, managing reviews, ensuring mobile-friendliness, maintaining an active social media presence, and creating high-quality content. By doing so, you’ll improve your chances of ranking higher on Google and attracting more customers to your business.