Google Maps Ranking Factors Every Local Business Must Know

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Google Maps is one of the leading services for local businesses today, and it is not by accident or because of how long a business has been open that it may show up at the top of a Google Maps Search Checkout nearby businesses, but instead, there are specific factors that Google uses when deciding which Company to appear first.

By understanding Google Maps Ranking factors, Local Businesses have the opportunity to optimize their locations for Google simply to reduce common mistakes.

The Factors Google Uses To Rank Businesses

Google uses three primary Signals
1) Relevance
2) Proximity
3) Authority.

As with any Google Maps search strategies all optimization should target one or more of those three signals above.

1 Relevance
Relevance represents how well your business matches to what the E.G. Google is searching for.

The Metrics Checked:
(i) Primary / Secondary Business Category
(ii) Services listed on your Profile
(iii) Content of Business Description
(iii) Natural Use of Keywords.

If your Business Profile does not clearly state exactly what your Business does then the Business Listing may not display during the User's Search.

2 Proximity to the individual searching for you
Proximity to the Business is dependent on how far away from you the User is searching from.
The 3 Metrics to be Aware of regarding Proximity are:

(i) You cannot alter the distance, but you can use this to your advantage;
(ii) Do not use false address;
(iii) Providing Accurate Information assists to build Trust.

Given the user who is searching for the Business is closer to it than any other listed Business and all other factors were equal, that Business would be listed the highest.

3 The Public Trust and Authority
In relation to the Public Trust and Authority Google evaluates Trust and Authority of your Business in several ways;

The 4 Metrics Used to Determine Trust / Authority are:

  •  User Review and Rating of Market Place
  •  Response to User Reviews
  •  Completeness of your business Profile
  •  User Engagement


Gaining Trust and Authority are Critical for all Local Businesses to be considered competitive in Google Maps.


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