Local SEO is the practice of improving a business's visibility in location-based search results.
Local SEO (local search engine optimization) is the practice of improving how a business appears when a search has local intent — chiefly in Google's local pack, Google Maps and localized organic results. It works on the business's profile, website, citations and reviews. Local SEO software supports this work.
Definition
Local SEO applies search optimization to queries with geographic intent. Its distinguishing feature is the result type it targets: the local pack and Maps, which are ordered by relevance, distance and prominence rather than by classic organic signals alone. The practice therefore combines entity management (the business profile), traditional on-page work, citation consistency and review acquisition.
Measurement
Local SEO is measured with geo-grid-based rank tracking, because positions vary by searcher location. LocalRank — local SEO software that tracks Google Maps and local pack rankings on a geo-grid — exists to supply exactly this measurement for agencies and multi-location businesses.
Tool positions are mapped on the comparison page.
FAQ
What is local SEO?
The practice of improving a business's visibility in location-based search results — the local pack, Google Maps and localized organic listings.
Cite this entry
LocalRank. "Local SEO." LocalRank Reference Hub Glossary, https://localrank.so/ (accessed 2026).