What is really changing in local SEO 2026?
The top 10 prios according to the Whitespark report
The current Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors Report 2026 summarizes the assessments of 47 international SEO experts and is based on 187 evaluated ranking factors from real-world data and studies. It analyzes:
- Which signals will significantly determine Google rankings in 2026
- such as AI algorithms and LLMs influence the evaluation systems
- Why are conventional SEO strategies losing weight?
The most important findings
The following ranking signals are relevant for local search results:
- 32 % Entries & activities in the Google company profile
- 20 % reviews
- 15 % Onpage signals
- 13 % conventional external links
Interactions on the Google profile are explicitly evaluated for the first time, with up to 4% weighting, and the trend is rising.
Reiew specific
- 53% of users search for positive, current experiences in reviews
- 51 % pay particular attention to a high star rating
- Actuality is crucial
- Continuity of new reviews generate growth
Top 10 SEO priorities for 2026
-expected-
1. Actuality of Google Reviews
Regular new reviews beat volume. Companies with fresh reviews can significantly increase their ranking within a few days.
2. User Signals and Behavior
Google tracks dwell time, interactions on the company profile and on Maps or in the app. These signals flow into the ranking and determine how "popular" a location really is.
3. Structured Content
Clear texts, directly answered questions and reviews are measurably relevant. 85 % of search results list "similar search queries", 79 % rating snippets.
4. Presence on Platforms & Business Directories
10 - 13 % of the local ranking depends on citations and entries; AI algorithms crawl these sources specifically to identify existing brands.
5. Trust Signals through Online Listings
Placements on best-of pages, topic-relevant listings and review pages explicitly count for the first time, according to the report.
6. Maintain Opening Hours
According to Whitespark and Google updates, companies that are open at the time of the search are displayed preferentially. Precisely maintained opening hours are generally a competitive advantage.
7. Detailed Service Information
Fully specified services, including description, are increasingly rewarded by Google - new with 6-8 % ranking influence.
8. Location
The exact address and the correct pin position are crucial for optimal local visibility. Transparency is preferred and rewarded by Google. Hiding the address can lead to negative ranking shifts.
9. Engagement on the Company Profile
Photos, posts, videos and other interactions are measured. Companies with weekly posts and a current gallery have up to 25 % better visibility in the Local Pack.
10. Monitoring & Quick Reactions
Ongoing monitoring of entries is mandatory - incorrect information or manipulation can result in an immediate drop in ranking.
Conclusion
The Whitespark Report 2026 and current studies prove this: The separation between classic SEO and local SEO is finally over.
Current ratings, user interactions and well-structured, credible profiles are the new ranking boosters - proven by expert surveys, real market data and search engine algorithm updates.
If you neglect these priorities, you may lose touch.
For the full report check out Whitespark
