Google confirms that the algorithm update began appearing in local search results at the end of November and ended on December 8.
This update included a “rebalancing” of the ranking factors that Google considers when generating local search results.
This update is officially referred to as November 2021 local search updatethough the changes likely won’t be felt until the first week of December.
The November 2021 Local Search Update has ended. Beginning November 30th and running through December 8th, it has involved a rebalancing of many of the factors we consider when creating local search results. The general guidelines for companies remain the same as stated here: https://t.co/uyXFfmUEIR
– Google Search Center (googlesearchc) December 16, 2021
Google’s guidelines on this update are to continue to follow local SEO best practices, which is linked in the embedded tweet above.
Keep in mind that the weight of each ranking factor listed in the Google Help Guide has been rebalanced.
The ranking factors for Google local search results are:
- RelevanceHow well a local business profile matches what someone is looking for.
- distance: How far each potential search result is from the location term used in the search.
- the fameThe reputation of the business
Google never provides exact details regarding the weight of each ranking factor. So perhaps the best way to respond to this update is to rebalance your efforts.
For example, if you focus more on optimizing for Relevance By boosting your Google Business Profile with information, now is probably the time to focus more on your business the fame of your business
November was an eventful month for SEO, with a number of changes to the Google algorithm.
However, it should be easy to determine if you were specifically affected by the November 2021 Local Search update.
Updating Local Search will only affect your Google Business Profile ranking in the Local package.
If the order of your work profile hasn’t changed, chances are you weren’t negatively affected by this update.
Featured image: TonelsonProductions/Shutterstock
