Local satellite pages are web pages specifically designed to appear prominently in search results for local queries. They are created to address specific needs, such as finding a rental with a pool near Nice, a hotel in Tarbes, a locksmith in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, or English lessons in Amiens. These pages are primarily used by companies with a national or even international reach that are looking to rank highly for a large number of local search terms.
Local satellite pages can also be used by local businesses seeking to cover different neighborhoods or districts. They are sometimes generated automatically when grouped under a single domain, allowing some companies to create thousands or even tens of thousands of specific pages. While this practice may seem acceptable to many in the industry, Google appears to be taking a stricter approach to indexing and ranking these pages.
In some cases, local satellite pages can be associated with abusive SEO practices. It is therefore important for businesses to remain vigilant and ensure that their local satellite pages comply with search engine guidelines. Ultimately, a good local SEO strategy relies on the quality and relevance of the content offered, rather than on questionable optimization techniques.