What you will learn
- Explain the main factors behind local search rankings
- Set up and optimise a Google Business Profile
- Build consistent local citations and a steady flow of reviews
When someone searches "pharmacy near me" or "car mechanic G-11", Google usually shows a map with a few local businesses before the normal results. Those listings come from Google Business Profile. Google describes the main local ranking factors as relevance, distance, and prominence. You cannot change how far a searcher is from the shop, but you can improve how relevant and prominent the business appears.
Claim and verify the profile, then complete every field. Choose the most accurate primary category, since it strongly shapes which searches you appear for. Add opening hours, phone number, website, service areas, services, and real photos of the premises and the work. Post updates and offers regularly, and answer questions customers ask. A complete, active profile gives Google and customers more reasons to trust it.
Prominence comes partly from reviews and mentions elsewhere online. Ask happy customers for a Google review, for example with a short link sent on WhatsApp after a job, and reply politely to every review, including negative ones. Keep the business name, address, and phone number identical across directories, social profiles, and your website. These consistent listings are called local citations.