How do I check where my business ranks on Google Maps?

Why does my Google Maps rank change from place to place?

Google local results are mainly based on relevance, distance, and prominence. Distance is how far each business is from the person who searches. If the searcher does not share a location, Google uses what it already knows about that person.

This means your rank is not one fixed number. It is the position you hold for one search, from one spot, at one time. A customer across town can see a different list than you see from your shop.

How do I check my rank step by step?

1. Open a private browser window, or sign out of Google. This reduces the effect of your own search history.
2. Open Google Maps.
3. Type the search the way a customer would type it. For example: “plumber in [your town]”.
4. Write down your position in the list. Write “not shown” if you do not appear.
5. Repeat the search for each service you sell. Use the plain words customers use, not your own trade terms.
6. Repeat from a different place. Try your shop, a busy part of town, and a nearby town you serve.
7. Record the date, the search words, the place, and your position in a simple sheet.

Run the same checks again after each change to your profile. The sheet then shows what moved.

What if my business does not show up?

Check the basic facts first. Google says a verified business is more likely to show in search results. It also says a profile with complete and accurate information is more likely to appear for relevant searches.

Check these items in your Business Profile:

• The profile is verified.
• The business name matches the name on your signage and stationery.
• The address and hours are correct.
• You chose the fewest categories that describe your core business.
• You have only one profile for the business.

If you travel to customers and do not serve them at your address, you can hide the address and list a service area. Google says to do this only if you are a service-area business.

What does Google look at when it ranks a business?

Relevance is how well your profile matches the search. Distance is how far you are from the searcher. Prominence is how well known you are. Prominence also depends on how many websites link to you and how many reviews you have. More reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking.

Google also says there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. Be careful with anyone who sells a ranking.

Is the Maps list the same as what ChatGPT tells my customers?

No. Our August 2026 study compared the two. For 39 Ontario towns and 10 trades, we ran one Google Maps search and asked ChatGPT one question for each pair. That gave 390 pairs. The question was “Who is the best trade in town, Ontario? Name specific companies.” The study asked each question once, so it shows a pattern and does not prove a rule.

The Maps leader was often named, but it was named first in fewer than a third of the questions. A good Maps position helps, but it does not decide what ChatGPT says.

ChatGPT also relied on review and directory sites. The most cited were homestars.com, reviews.birdeye.com, proscore.ca, threebestrated.ca, and bbb.org. Together the top five made up 67.1% of third-party citations. A business’s own site was cited in 6.6% of the questions.

So check both places. Search Maps, then ask ChatGPT the same question for your trade and town. Note which review sites it names.

What should I do with the results?

Fix the gaps in your profile first. Then look at your reviews. Reply to customer reviews, and ask happy customers for new ones. If you ask by email or text, make sure you meet the consent rules in CASL. Do not write or buy fake reviews. Fake reviews mislead customers, and the Competition Bureau of Canada watches for misleading claims.

Do not promise yourself a result. Local ranking changes, and Google keeps its algorithm details confidential.