Local rankings in Maps and the Local Pack hinge on three core factors: relevance (keyword/category match), distance (proximity to the searcher), and prominence (reviews, authority, activity). Optimize the Google Business Profile, ensure NAP consistency across citations, earn quality reviews, and support with localized on‑page SEO and links.
Key practices
-
Google Business Profile: choose precise primary and secondary categories, complete every field, add photos, update posts/offers, and enable messaging/booking as applicable.
-
Reviews and reputation: request steady, authentic reviews, respond to all feedback, and encourage keywords in reviews where natural to boost relevance signals.
-
NAP and citations: keep name, address, and phone consistent across major directories; build high‑quality local citations and monitor for duplicates.
-
Localized on‑page SEO: create city/service pages, add LocalBusiness schema, embed maps where useful, and earn local backlinks from chambers, events, and news.
-
Measure and iterate: track geo‑grid visibility, GBP insights, direction/call clicks, and refine categories, hours, and content to improve proximity and prominence footprint.
Outcome
A complete, trusted, and active local presence improves Local Pack and Maps visibility, driving calls, directions, and in‑store visits from nearby searchers.