@darrenshawseo

Google is generating these amazing new lists in maps and they reveal a lot about how to rank your business in Google's local results. They're called Top lists, local gems and trending. And they're powered by everything around your business profile, not the profile itself.

And a big shout out to Craig Burton who did a deep dive on how these lists work and where they come from. The thing that I find so fascinating about these lists is that Google will tell you exactly where they're sourcing the information from. They'll cite the specific blog posts or news sites that the list are being generated from.

And that's huge because you can scan the list, identify the sites, and then build a strategy for how you can get listed on these lists too. And I love how Craig frames this. Local SEO is shifting from profile optimization to evidence optimization.

Here's how to use this for your business. Open the Google Maps app and browse the list in your city. Make note of any sites that Google is referencing and then review those sites and see how you can get your business listed as well.

Profile optimization isn't enough anymore. The businesses that win from here are the ones that can build evidence across the web that Google can find, trust and pull into these lists. So save this post and let me know if you want a link to Craig's article.