Google Maps determines which businesses, locations, and landmarks to display using a combination of several key factors:
1. Relevance
Google evaluates how well a business or location matches a user’s search intent. This is influenced by:
- Business name, category, and description
- Keywords in the Google Business Profile
- Website content and metadata
- User search behavior and past interactions
2. Proximity
Google prioritizes businesses that are geographically closer to the searcher, especially for location-based queries like “auto repair near me.” However, relevance can sometimes override proximity, particularly if a business is well-known or highly rated.
3. Prominence (Authority & Popularity)
Google favors businesses with strong online authority, which is influenced by:
- Number and quality of Google reviews
- Star ratings and review responses
- Website authority (SEO, backlinks, and content quality)
- Local citations (mentions on directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, etc.)
- Social media presence and engagement
4. User Behavior & Engagement
Google tracks user engagement signals, such as:
- Click-through rates (CTR) on search results
- How long users interact with a business listing (checking reviews, photos, etc.)
- Direction requests and calls from Google Maps
- Repeated visits or searches for the same business
5. Google My Business (GMB) Optimization
Businesses with a well-optimized Google Business Profile (formerly GMB) are more likely to appear in searches. Important factors include:
- Complete and accurate business information
- High-quality photos and videos
- Regular updates and posts
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) across directories
6. Paid Ads (Google Ads / Local Services Ads)
Businesses that invest in Google Ads or Local Services Ads can appear in prominent positions above organic results, labeled as “Sponsored” or “Ad.”
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