Local SEO Glossary, 100+ Terms Defined

Plain-English definitions for local SEO and Google Business Profile terminology. Bookmark this page , we update it as Google introduces new features and concepts.

3-Pack / Map Pack

The boxed list of 3 businesses Google shows at the top of local search results. Takes most of the clicks for 'near me' searches.

Attribute

Small icons on a Google Business Profile that signal accessibility, amenities, services, or identity (e.g., wheelchair accessible, women-led, free Wi-Fi).

Backlink

An external website linking to yours. A trust signal Google uses to rank both webpages and (indirectly) Business Profiles.

Business Profile Manager

Google's tool for managing one or more Business Profiles, used by multi-location operators.

Category (primary/secondary)

The Google Business Profile fields that classify your business. Primary category is a core relevance signal; 4-9 secondaries expand query coverage.

Citation

A mention of your business name, address, and phone (NAP) on a third-party directory like Yelp, BBB, or Apple Maps. 80+ trusted citations are foundational for Map Pack rankings.

Domain Authority (DA)

A third-party metric (Moz) estimating your website's overall ranking strength. Not a direct Google factor but correlates with rankings.

E-E-A-T

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness. Google's framework for evaluating content quality and source credibility.

EXIF

Metadata embedded in photo files including geographic coordinates. Google's local ranking guidance does not mention photo EXIF data.

Featured Snippet

A box at the top of Google search results displaying a direct answer pulled from a webpage. Targeting featured snippets is a key SEO opportunity.

Geo-tagging

Embedding location coordinates in a photo's EXIF metadata. Google's local ranking guidance does not mention photo location data, so it is not a ranking tactic.

Google Business Profile (GBP)

The free Google product that lets your business appear in Maps, Search, and the Map Pack. Formerly called Google My Business (GMB).

Google Local Services Ads (LSA)

Pay-per-lead Google ads for service businesses with the Google Guaranteed badge. Appear above the Map Pack.

Google Posts

Updates published directly on a Google Business Profile. Standard updates stay on the profile; event and offer posts end on their end date. Useful for offers, news, and freshness signals.

Knowledge Panel

The right-hand information panel Google shows for branded searches, populated from your Google Business Profile and authoritative third-party sources.

Local Pack

Synonym for Map Pack , the 3-business boxed list at the top of local searches.

LocalBusiness Schema

JSON-LD structured data added to your website that signals your business entity to Google. Reinforces your GBP.

NAP

Name, Address, Phone. The three core identity fields that must be consistent across your website, GBP, and every citation.

People Also Ask (PAA)

The expandable Q&A box in Google search results. Targeting PAA questions in your FAQ content captures additional visibility.

Proximity

How close the searcher is to your verified address. A direct Map Pack ranking factor.

Q&A

The Google Business Profile section where anyone can ask , or answer , questions about your business. Owner-answered Q&A is a trust signal.

Reinstatement

The process of getting a suspended Google Business Profile restored. Requires identifying the violation, fixing it, and filing with Google.

Review Velocity

The rate at which you accumulate new reviews. Recent reviews matter more than older ones for ranking. Target 5-10 new reviews per month.

SAB (Service-Area Business)

A business that goes to customers (mobile or in-home services) rather than having a public storefront. Configured differently in GBP than storefronts.

Schema Markup

Structured data added to your website using JSON-LD or microdata to signal entity information to Google. Critical for AI search and rich results.

SERP

Search Engine Results Page , what users see after a Google search.

Suspension

When Google disables a Business Profile for policy violations. Profile becomes invisible until reinstated.

UPS Store / Virtual Office

Mailbox center addresses Google detects automatically and rejects for Business Profile use. Triggers instant suspension.

White-hat

Local SEO methods compliant with Google's policies and guidelines. Sustainable and long-term safe.