How to Rank Higher on Google Maps for Your Trade
The "local pack" (the three business listings with a map that show up for local searches) is some of the most valuable real estate in local search, and the ranking factors behind it are reasonably well understood.
The three main factors
- Relevance: does the business's category and content genuinely match the search
- Distance: proximity between the searcher and the business location
- Prominence: how well-known and well-reviewed the business is, both on and off Google
What's within a business's control
Distance mostly isn't (short of opening a second location), but relevance and prominence very much are. A fully completed Business Profile with the right categories, consistent NAP (name/address/phone) details across the web, a strong and growing review base, and a website with matching local SEO all move prominence and relevance directly.
An incomplete profile vs. a fully optimised one
Incomplete profile
- One broad category selected, secondary ones left blank
- Inconsistent name/address/phone details across the web
- Reviews trickling in occasionally, with no consistent ask
Fully optimised profile
- Every relevant category added, widening which searches it can surface for
- Consistent NAP details everywhere the business is listed
- A steady, growing flow of recent reviews
A detail people miss
Category selection matters more than most business owners realise. A garage that only selects "Car repair" but also does MOTs, tyres, and diagnostics is missing out on searches specific to those secondary categories. Adding accurate secondary categories widens which searches the profile can surface for.
Related reading Google Business Profile explained, what is local SEO and our own reviews.
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