Each year, Moz surveys top local SEOs to determine the most important local search ranking factors. The survey reflects their experience and opinions about which ranking signals have the greatest influence.

This year’s survey showed a number of changes from last year. Specifically, Google My Business (GMB) signals emerged as the most important ranking factor at 25%, up from 19% in 2017. The remaining top factors included links (16%), reviews (15%), on-page signals (14%), behavioral signals (10%), citations (11%), personalization (6%) and social (3%).

The more data a business has provided to Google, the more likely that its overall search ranking will climb. Reviews are also a critical signal that gained in importance from last year.

As GMB continues to add tools and features to help businesses better connect with their customers, marketers and local businesses must take advantage by adding as much content and useful information as possible.

This data comes from Moz’s Local Search Ranking Factors 2018. To access the graphic above, click here.