Google has made significant updates to its local ranking documentation. The changes streamline the content, particularly in the section regarding 'Prominence.' Key phrases previously included, such as the relevance of SEO best practices, have been removed. The new emphasis for 'Prominence' focuses on the quantity of backlinks and reviews rather than traditional ranking factors like articles and directories. These alterations suggest a shift towards a simplified view of the elements that contribute to local ranking.
Google has quietly updated its documentation on local ranking factors, and the changes are significant. The section on 'Prominence' has been completely reworded, removing key phrases SEOs have relied on for years.
This sentence has been completely DELETED from the 'Prominence' factor description: 'Your position in web results is also a factor, so search engine optimization (SEO) best practices apply.'
They also simplified what contributes to Prominence. OLD text mentioned: '...links, articles, and directories.' NEW text now says: '...how many websites link to your business and how many reviews you have.'
It seems Google is simplifying 'Prominence' to focus heavily on links & reviews, while pointedly removing the mention of traditional SEO best practices.
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