TECHNICAL · SEO GLOSSARY
Featured Listing (Local Pack)
The prominent placement of a specific local business result at the top of the local pack (Google Maps/local search results) — either through paid local search ads (Local Services Ads, Local Ads) or through organic local ranking prominence. Not a structured data type, but a local search result position designation.
Definition
A featured listing in local search context refers to a local business result that appears at the top of the local pack (the 3-pack of map-linked results that appears above organic results for local queries) or as a paid placement above the organic local pack. Featured listing types: (1) **Organic local pack position 1** — the top organic local result, achieved through the combination of relevance, distance, and prominence signals in Google\'s local ranking algorithm. This is the primary goal of local SEO. (2) **Local Services Ads (LSA)** — Google\'s pay-per-lead ad format for service categories (plumbers, electricians, cleaners, real estate agents). LSA listings appear above the organic local pack with a "Sponsored" label and a "Google Guaranteed" or "Google Screened" badge (depending on the category) after passing a Google background check. (3) **Local Search Ads (traditional)** — standard Google Ads that appear in map results with a pin marking their position. Less prominent than LSA but available for categories not in the LSA program. For organic local pack ranking, "featured listing" is informal — the local algorithm factors are: relevance (how well the GBP profile matches the query), distance (physical proximity to the searcher), and prominence (online authority signals: review count, review quality, website authority, citation consistency). For paid featured listing (LSA), the ranking factors include bid, proximity, review count, and category match.
Why it matters for SEO
The local pack captures the majority of clicks for local-intent queries, and position 1 in the local pack captures a disproportionate share of those clicks. Organic local pack position 1 is the primary goal of local SEO investment. For industries where LSA is available (home services, legal, financial), LSA provides a paid path to featured placement above the organic pack — often with a cost-per-lead model that can be more efficient than traditional PPC for service categories. Understanding the distinction between paid featured listing (LSA) and organic local ranking is essential for local marketing strategy decisions.
How DeepSEOAnalysis checks this
DeepSEOAnalysis audits the technical signals that contribute to organic local pack ranking: Google Business Profile signals are assessed through structured data checks (LocalBusiness schema with address, geo, openingHoursSpecification, aggregateRating); website authority signals through Core Web Vitals (page experience), schema completeness, and AI visibility; and citation consistency through NAP (Name, Address, Phone) data in schema vs visible page content. The audit does not directly check GBP configuration — that requires the GBP interface — but the on-site structured data provides the complementary signal.
Useful tools and resources
GLOSSARY
Related terms
technical
Local SEO Ranking Factors
The three primary signals Google uses to rank businesses in local search results (the local pack / map pack): proximity (how close the business is to the searcher), relevance (how well the business matches the query), and prominence (how well-known and trusted the business is — based on reviews, citations, and website authority).
Read definition →technical
GBP Optimisation (Google Business Profile)
The ongoing management and improvement of a Google Business Profile listing to maximise visibility in local pack and Google Maps results — covering category selection, business information completeness, review management, photo updates, GBP posts, service listings, and Q&A management.
Read definition →technical
Proximity Signals (Local SEO)
The geographic distance signals that Google uses to determine which local businesses are closest to a searcher — derived from the searcher\'s device location, IP address, or explicitly stated location in the query — and which are the primary determinant of local pack ranking that businesses cannot optimise away.
Read definition →technical
Google Business Profile Post
Short-form content published directly within a Google Business Profile listing — covering offers, events, updates, and products — that appears in the knowledge panel and occasionally in the local pack. GBP posts are a freshness signal that contributes to local ranking and provides additional SERP real estate for the business.
Read definition →See how your site scores on Featured Listing (Local Pack).
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