After taking a year off in 2016, Moz has returned with its 2017 survey of local search ranking factors. This survey compiles the aggregated opinions of dozens of local search experts who have shared their insights on the top ranking factors for local search this year.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in. The specific ranking factors are categorized into Google’s local pack rankings and organic local search results rankings. It seems there is more emphasis on the local pack ranking factors, possibly because the local pack appears before organic search results snippets.
In the full survey, you can find the top 50 ranking factors for each section. In this article, I will focus on just the top 10.
### Top 10 Local Pack Finder Factors
1. Proximity of Address to the Point of Search (Searcher-Business Distance)
2. Physical Address in City of Search
3. Proper GMB Category Associations
4. Quality/Authority of Inbound Links to Domain
5. Consistency of Citations on the Primary Data Sources
6. Domain Authority of Website
7. Product/Service Keyword in GMB Business Title
8. Quality/Authority of Structured Citations
9. Consistency of Citations on Tier 1 Citation Sources
10. Click-Through Rate from Search Results
### Top 10 Local Organic Factors
1. Quality/Authority of Inbound Links to Domain
2. Domain Authority of Website
3. Diversity of Inbound Links to Domain
4. Topical (Product/Service) Keyword Relevance of Domain Content
5. Quantity of Inbound Links to Domain
6. Quantity of Inbound Links to Domain from Locally Relevant Domains
7. Click-Through Rate from Search Results
8. Geographic (City/Neighborhood) Keyword Relevance of Domain Content
9. Product/Service Keywords in Anchor Text of Inbound Links to Domain
10. Mobile-Friendly/Responsive Website
### Additional Information
Additionally, the survey compiles the opinions of local search experts about what they’re focusing on more since the Possum update, what they’re focusing on less, and what they believe are the top negative local ranking factors.
The survey concludes with individual SEOs offering insights into what they see affecting rankings so far this year. This comprehensive piece is invaluable for anyone looking to keep their local SEO skills sharp and current.
