Google Local SEO Ranking Factors for 2026 Explained

James Dooley speaks with Paul Truscott about what drives local SEO rankings in 2026. Paul breaks down Google’s three-part ranking model for local websites: topicality for relevance, quality for sitewide strength, and popularity for real user signals like branded searches and long clicks. They discuss semantic SEO vs keyword matching, how internal linking and site focus affect performance, and why bloated blogs can cause topic dilution. Paul also explains how SERP features like People Also Ask and People Also Search For reveal intent, plus why small local businesses can win by using real, location-led experience.Where to Listen to This EpisodeGoogle Local SEO Ranking Factors is available across all major podcast platforms. Choose your preferred platform below.Listen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on TransistorListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on Pocket CastsListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on Amazon MusicListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on AudibleListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on CastroListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on CastboxListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on Podcast AddictListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on DeezerListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on RephonicListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on MetacastListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on Player FMListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on SpotifyListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on Listen NotesListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on Podcast GuruListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on PodchaserListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on PodverseListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on PodlinkListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on TrueFansListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on PodbeanListen to Google Local SEO Ranking Factors on AI SEO & Business Automation Podcast