What is Location Authority?
Location authority is a kind of ranking power in Google local search results.
Location Authority refers to the perceived credibility, trustworthiness, and relevance of a business’s physical location within a specific area or region. It is a measure used by search engines, such as Google Maps, to determine the ranking and visibility of businesses in local search results.
Factors such as consistent business information, positive reviews, local citations, and engagement with the local community contribute to building location authority.
A high location authority indicates to search engines that your account or business is a reliable and reputable option for people searching within a particular geographical area; you will rank higher with a higher level of location authority.
It’s also important to note that rankings depend a lot on the distance between a search engine user and the location of your business.
Understanding the Importance of Location in Local SEO
When engaging in local SEO, it is crucial to recognise the significance of location for your target customers.
If you implement local SEO strategies this will enhance your visibility to poeple seeking a specific product or service in a particular area, town, city, or suburb.
Google aims to ensure that searchers are directed to your business listing in the most relevant locations, and having a business with strong location authority in specific areas signals to Google Maps’ algorithms that your business is a valuable search result. As a result, your business will experience an upswing in digital and physical traffic.
Understanding the Distinction between Domain and Location Authority
In numerous aspects, location authority closely resembles domain authority. While domain authority influences your position in Google’s regular search results, location authority specifically relates to Google Maps. As mobile technology has become an essential part of our lives, with 77% of smartphone users relying on navigation apps and 67% of those users choosing Google Maps, location authority has emerged as a significant power authority.
Google Local Search Results
Google Local Search Results play a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening Location Authority.
When people perform location-specific searches on Google, the search engine displays a list of relevant businesses in the area, often referred to as the “map pack.”
Google’s algorithm considers various factors we already spoke about. (Business information consistency, positive reviews, local business citations used, and engagement with the local community) to determine the ranking and visibility of businesses in these results.
By focusing on optimising these aspects and striving to appear in Google organic search results, a local business owner can significantly boost its Location Authority and increase its chances of attracting new customers.
You Need a Position in the Map Pack
Securing a prominent place in the highly sought-after "map pack" is of utmost importance for your business's success on Google Maps.
- With Google Maps displaying ONLY the top three results to searchers, it becomes a crucial goal to attain one of those coveted spots.
- The growing number of Google Maps users and searches makes it imperative for your business to claim a spot among the top three.
- Having higher authority significantly improves your chances of achieving this goal, while also expanding the radius within which your business appears in search results.
- This increased exposure presents a tremendous opportunity to drive sales and elevate the overall success of your business.
Elevate Your Location Authority for Optimal Results
Now that you understand the significance of location authority, let's explore in more detail methods to enhance and increase your business location authority.
By utilising Google’s tools, optimising your website, and prioritising reviews, you can significantly boost your location authority and achieve remarkable results. Let’s delve into the strategies that can propel your business forward.
Fully Utilise your Google My Business Profile
Make the most of what Google provides by actively managing your Google My Business page.
It is essential to find, claim, categorise, complete, and consistently maintain your page. Google emphasises the importance of a comprehensive and updated page, giving preference to businesses that have fulfilled these criteria. Ensure that your page includes vital business information such as your business name, location address, opening hours, offered services, products, and more.
Ensure Website Compatibility
To enhance location authority, it is crucial to ensure your website is compatible and user-friendly.
Implement mobile-responsive design to cater to a growing mobile audience. Embed Google Maps on your contact page for easy navigation. Utilise local telephone numbers instead of generic or tracked numbers. If you have multiple sites across the country, create dedicated landing pages for each location, enriching them with local, keyword-rich content.
Embrace Reviews
Reviews are everything in today's digital, online world.
Although negative reviews may be daunting, it is increasingly important to focus on increasing the number of positive Google reviews. 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses.
Google recognises the significance of reviews and aims to direct users to places where they can have enjoyable experiences.
Positive reviews establish trust and contribute to your location authority. Embrace feedback and continue to provide excellent service to maintain a strong reputation.
Schema: Enhancing Location Authority through Structured Data
Implementing Schema is an effective strategy for enhancing Location Authority.
Schema provides search engines with structured data about your business, including important details such as specific locations, phone numbers, business hours, and more. By increasing location authority by incorporating Schema on your website, you provide search engines with clear and precise information, helping them understand and display your business accurately in local search results.
This structured data enhances the visibility and credibility of your business. When search engines can easily comprehend your business’s location details, it improves your chances of appearing prominently in relevant local search results, increasing your visibility and attracting potential customers in the process.
