What are the 72 ranking signals in Google Maps?

The 72 ranking signals are part of a complex system that determines the visibility and ranking of local business listings in Google Maps. These signals include data from multiple sources, the Knowledge Graph, and various scoring and filtering mechanisms.

How can SEO practitioners use this information?

SEO practitioners can use this information to optimize their clients' Google Maps listings. By ensuring all relevant information is accurate and up-to-date, they can improve the chances of ranking higher in local search results.

Google Maps uses 72 ranking signals for local search results

Google Maps employs 72 ranking signals to determine local search results, according to an analysis of a non-public scope of Geostore, the system Google uses to represent geographic entities.

September 8, 2026

A geometric illustration of interconnected nodes representing data sources and ranking signals in a local search system.

Key takeaways

Google Maps uses 72 ranking signals to determine local search results.
The system integrates data from multiple sources and the Knowledge Graph.
Results are personalized for the user and filtered through geographic and semantic retrieval.
Understanding these signals can help SEO practitioners optimize local listings.
Regularly updating business information can improve visibility in local search results.

What Happened

Google Maps uses 72 ranking signals to determine the visibility and ranking of local business listings. This revelation comes from an analysis of a non-public scope of Geostore, the system Google uses to represent geographic entities. The team also cross-referenced this with Maps pro data to understand the underlying architecture.

The Specifics

The 72 ranking signals are part of a larger system that includes a canonical geographic entity assembled from multiple data sources. This entity is connected to the Knowledge Graph and the web, scored by several ranking systems, and filtered through geographic and semantic retrieval. The results are then personalized for the user and passed to a rendering engine that decides what appears on the map.

Why This Matters to SEO Practitioners

Understanding the 72 ranking signals provides SEO practitioners with insights into how Google Maps ranks local businesses. This knowledge can help optimize listings for better visibility. Marketers can leverage this information to ensure their clients' businesses are well-represented in local search results, potentially driving more foot traffic and online engagement.

Actionable Step

SEO practitioners should audit their clients' Google Maps listings to ensure all relevant information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes business hours, contact information, and customer reviews. Regularly updating and optimizing these details can improve the chances of ranking higher in local search results.

Frequently asked questions

What are the 72 ranking signals in Google Maps?: The 72 ranking signals are part of a complex system that determines the visibility and ranking of local business listings in Google Maps. These signals include data from multiple sources, the Knowledge Graph, and various scoring and filtering mechanisms.
How can SEO practitioners use this information?: SEO practitioners can use this information to optimize their clients' Google Maps listings. By ensuring all relevant information is accurate and up-to-date, they can improve the chances of ranking higher in local search results.

#google maps #local search #seo #ranking signals #geostore

Source: Search Engine Land

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