HomeGlossary
Local SEO Dictionary

Local SEO Glossary

Definitive definitions for Google Maps ranking, local SEO, and Answer Engine Optimization terms.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO (Local Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing a business's online presence to attract more customers from relevant local searches on Google and other search engines. According to MapScan.ai research, 46% of all Google searches have local intent, and businesses ranking in the Google Maps 3-Pack receive 93% of all local clicks.

Google Maps 3-Pack
The Google Maps 3-Pack (also called Local Pack or Map Pack) is the block of three local business listings that appears at the top of Google search results for local queries. These three positions receive 93% of all local clicks according to MapScan.ai research.
Related: Local SEO, Google Business Profile, Local Pack
MapScore
MapScore is MapScan.ai's proprietary 0-100 visibility rating that measures how often a business appears in Google Maps searches compared to local competitors. It's calculated by analyzing 12 ranking factors including reviews, categories, services, posts, and geographic coverage.
Related: Visibility Score, Local Rankings, Google Maps
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of optimizing content to be cited by AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overview. Unlike traditional SEO which focuses on search rankings, AEO focuses on structuring content so AI systems can extract and cite it as authoritative answers.
Related: SEO, AI Search, Structured Data
Review Velocity
Review velocity refers to the rate at which a business acquires new customer reviews over time. MapScan.ai research shows that businesses need 8-12 new reviews per month to maintain ranking momentum on Google Maps. Review velocity is a stronger ranking signal than total review count.
Related: Reviews, Google Business Profile, Rankings
NAP Consistency
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. NAP consistency means having identical business information across all online directories, citations, and platforms. Inconsistent NAP data confuses search engines and can hurt local rankings by up to 20%.
Related: Citations, Local SEO, Directory Listings
Local Citations
Local citations are online mentions of a business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) on websites other than your own. Citations from authoritative directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific sites help Google verify business information and improve local rankings.
Related: NAP Consistency, Directory Listings, Local SEO
Google Business Profile (GBP)
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that lets businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps. A fully optimized GBP includes business information, photos, posts, services, Q&A, and reviews. It's the single most important factor for local SEO.
Related: Google My Business, Local SEO, Map Pack
Local Intent
Local intent refers to search queries where the user is looking for products, services, or information in a specific geographic area. According to Google, 46% of all searches have local intent. Examples include 'restaurants near me' or 'dentist in Dallas.'
Related: Search Intent, Local SEO, Near Me Searches
Schema Markup
Schema markup (also called structured data) is code added to websites that helps search engines understand content better. For local businesses, LocalBusiness schema helps Google display rich results including ratings, hours, and location. Schema also helps AI systems extract and cite information.
Related: Structured Data, Rich Results, AEO
Geogrid
A geogrid is a visual representation of how a business ranks across different geographic points in its service area. It shows ranking positions on a grid overlaid on a map, revealing visibility 'hot spots' and 'blind spots.' MapScan uses geogrids to identify areas where businesses are missing customers.
Related: Local Rankings, Geographic Visibility, Heat Map
Local Pack
The Local Pack is Google's display of local business results, typically showing 3 businesses with a map. It appears for searches with local intent and is the most valuable real estate in local search. Ranking in the Local Pack can increase clicks by up to 700% compared to organic results.
Related: Google Maps 3-Pack, Map Pack, Local SEO
Proximity
Proximity refers to the distance between a searcher's location and a business. It's one of the three main ranking factors for Google Maps (along with relevance and prominence). Businesses cannot change their physical location, but can optimize other factors to rank in areas farther from their address.
Related: Rankings, Google Maps, Local SEO
Prominence
Prominence is one of Google's three main local ranking factors, measuring how well-known a business is. It's determined by review count, review score, website authority, social signals, and how much information Google has about the business. Unlike proximity, prominence can be actively improved.
Related: Rankings, Reviews, Local SEO
Relevance
Relevance in local SEO measures how well a Google Business Profile matches what someone is searching for. It's determined by business categories, services listed, business description, and content on your website. Businesses should include all relevant categories and detailed service descriptions.
Related: Rankings, Google Business Profile, Keywords
GEO Targeting
GEO targeting (also geographic targeting) is the practice of optimizing content and listings for specific geographic areas. This includes creating location-specific landing pages, targeting local keywords, and building citations in location-specific directories.
Related: Local SEO, Location Pages, Service Area

Ready to Improve Your Local SEO?

Get your free MapScore and see how you rank against local competitors.