David Mihm’s study on Local Search Ranking Factors is based on the views of 23 Local Search experts. Local Search can be done via maps.google.com. It may produce different results than those from a regular Google Search for the product/service and the location. In the following, LBL stands for Local Business Listing, which is edited and verified via the Google Local Business Center.
5 most beneficial factors:
- LBL Address in City of Search (most beneficial)
- Citations from Major Data Providers
- Association of Proper LBL Categories
- General Importance of Claiming LBL
- Product/Service Keywords in LBL Title
5 most harmful factors:
- Exclusive Use of (800) # on Contact Page
- Multiple LBLs with Same Business Name
- Exclusive Use of PO Box
- Multiple LBLs with Same Phone Number
- Multiple LBLs with Same Address (most harmful)
See the original study for more details.