Ep 17: The 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors Are Out - What Does It Mean for Your Properties?

Want to know exactly what drives your property's visibility on Google in 2026? The newest Local Search Ranking Factors Report is out—and it's packed with insights every multifamily marketer needs to know. In this episode of The Multifamily Marketers Podcast, hosts Josh Grillo and Caroline Mills break down the top findings from Whitespark's annual study and what they mean for your communities. You'll learn: What the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors Report reveals about Google's evolving algorithm Why your Google Business Profile (GBP) is still the #1 driver of local visibility How review recency and quality now outweigh total review count The growing importance of AI search visibility and how it's scored Why social signals are emerging as a new ranking factor (and what to do about it) Key updates around primary categories, on-page consistency, and backlinks The simple but overlooked GBP updates that directly impact rankings—like accurate hours and "open now" search visibility How to strengthen your local SEO with neighborhood pages, internal linking, and partnerships Caroline's quick-hit 3-step optimization plan any property can do this week From local maps to AI-driven search, this episode gives you a clear playbook for staying ahead in 2026. Whether you manage one property or an entire portfolio, you'll walk away knowing exactly where to focus your SEO efforts for the biggest payoff. Check out the 2026 study here. To suggest a topic, get in touch! For more multifamily marketing help, connect with us at Resident360. Drop Us a Review If You Enjoyed the Episode!