A recent report by Claudia Tomina suggests that menu items and popularity during peak Google Maps hours are now considered ranking factors in Google’s local ranking system. Tomina tested this theory across multiple companies and found that adding specific menu items to a Google Business profile led to higher rankings when users searched for those items. For example, by replacing “Caesar Kitchen” with “Caesar salad” on a menu, Tomina was able to elevate a business’s ranking from 71 to the top position within a day.
Tomina’s research also indicated that businesses with higher levels of activity during peak times tended to rank higher than those with lower activity levels. She concluded that Google takes into account visit data when determining local search rankings. In a statement, Tomina said, “My research shows that if a business has more activity at a specific time of day, then it outperforms its competitors.” Various ranking charts were shared in her blog post to support these findings.
On social media, Tomina shared her discovery of these new ranking factors and invited feedback from followers. She emphasized the importance of menu items and visit data in influencing Google’s local search rankings and encouraged others to read her blog post for more details. The post has sparked discussions on various forums, with many users intrigued by the potential impact of these factors on local businesses’ online visibility.
Overall, Tomina’s research sheds light on how small changes, such as updating menu items or optimizing for peak hours, can significantly impact a business’s ranking on Google Maps. By leveraging this new understanding of Google’s local ranking system, businesses may be able to improve their online visibility and attract more customers.
Article Source
https://www.seroundtable.com/menu-items-popular-times-are-google-local-signal-37642.html