Google Maps ranking factors explained simply

Google says local results are based mainly on three things: relevance, distance and prominence. Here's what that means in plain words — and what you can control.

1. Relevance: do you match the search?

Google checks how well your profile matches what someone typed.

What you control:

• Your primary and secondary categories
• Services and products listed on your profile
• Your description and posts
• Your website content

2. Distance: how far are you from the searcher?

You can't move your shop for every customer, but you can:

• Make sure your address and map pin are exact
• Set service areas correctly if you travel to customers
• Build prominence so you show up even when you're a bit further away

3. Prominence: how well-known and trusted are you?

This is where most of the work — and the opportunity — is.

• Reviews: how many, how good and how recent
• Photos: real, fresh and plenty of them
• Activity: posts, updates, replies to reviews
• Mentions across the web: consistent listings on Justdial, Zomato, Practo, news, local blogs
• Website strength: a site with your name, address and phone, and useful pages

What doesn't work (or gets you in trouble)

• Keyword-stuffed business names
• Fake reviews
• Multiple profiles for one business

The bottom line

You can't control distance. You can strongly influence relevance and prominence — and that's exactly what moves you from page 3 into the top 3.

Frequently asked questions