How Listings Appear in Search Results

When customers search the LocalZ Directory, listings are displayed based on several factors that determine visibility, relevance, and promotion level. Understanding how your business appears in search results helps you improve your reach and attract more customers.

There are four main types of listings that can appear in search results:

Sponsored Listings

• Appear at the very top of search results

• Labeled with a “Sponsored” tag

• Paid placement selected by category, location, or keyword zone

Featured Listings

• Appear directly below Sponsored Listings

• Labeled with a “Featured” badge

• Prioritized within organic listings and visually highlighted

Standard Listings (Claimed)

• Appear below Featured Listings

• Ranked based on listing completeness, relevance, and engagement

• Free, but must be claimed to access customization and upgrades

Unclaimed Listings

• Appear last in search results

• Only show basic info: business name and address

• No contact details, logo, or profile content

• Cannot receive leads or appear in the map view unless claimed

• Not eligible for Featured, Sponsored, or Paid Ads

Claiming your listing is required to unlock full visibility and promotional features.

For Claimed Standard and Featured Listings, ranking is influenced by:

Listing Completeness

• Profiles with full descriptions, media, and category selections are ranked higher

Location and Category Match

• Listings matching the user’s selected category and ZIP or city rank higher

Tags and Keywords

• Strong tags help connect listings to relevant search terms

Profile Activity

• Recently updated listings and active users are given priority

User Engagement

• Listings with more clicks, shares, or saved views may receive higher placement

Only Claimed Listings with a valid address or city/ZIP code appear in the map view.

Sponsored and Featured Listings are also given highlighted map pins.

Unclaimed Listings do not appear on the map.

LocalZ is optimized for mobile devices. Listings with logos, brief descriptions, and fast-loading content perform best in mobile view.

• Claim your listing to unlock full functionality

• Complete your profile with logo, images, and an SEO-friendly description

• Choose up to 10 accurate categories and use strong, relevant tags

• Update your profile regularly to stay active

• Consider upgrading to Featured or Sponsored Listings for more exposure

Now that you understand how listings appear:

• Learn How to Improve Your Listing’s Visibility

• Or move on to Tracking Views, Clicks, and Engagement