How do I get into the Google Maps top 3?

Google says local results are mainly based on three factors: relevance, distance and prominence. Nobody can pay for a better local ranking. So the work is to improve what you control and to accept what you do not.

What decides who shows up in the top 3?

Google describes the three factors this way:

• Relevance: how well your profile matches what the person searched for.
• Distance: how far your business is from the person searching.
• Prominence: how well known your business is. Google says this depends on things like links from other websites and how many reviews you have.

You cannot change distance. A searcher standing closer to a competitor will often see that competitor first. Put your effort into relevance and prominence.

What should I do first?

1. Verify your Business Profile. Google says this shows you are authorized to represent the business, so it is more likely to appear in results.
2. Fill in every field. Add your full address if customers visit you, your hours (including special hours), your category and other details. Google says complete and accurate profiles are more likely to show up.
3. Choose your categories carefully. Google’s guidelines say to pick the fewest categories that describe your core business.
4. Use your real business name. Match your signage and stationery. Do not add keywords, taglines, phone numbers or hours to the name. Google says this can lead to suspension.
5. Keep one profile per business. Duplicates cause problems on Maps and Search.
6. Add photos and videos. Show what you do and where.
7. Reply to every review. Google says helpful replies can help you stand out.

How do reviews help?

Google lists the number of reviews and positive ratings as part of prominence. More reviews and better ratings can help your ranking. That is not a promise of a position.

Ask real customers after real jobs. If you send the request by email or text in Canada, follow CASL: get consent first and identify yourself. Never buy reviews or write your own. The Competition Bureau treats fake reviews as misleading marketing, and Google can remove content that breaks its rules.

What does our study show?

Our August 2026 study asked ChatGPT one question for each of 39 towns and 10 trades in Ontario, then compared the answers with a Google Maps search for the same trade and town. That gave 390 question pairs. This table shows the figures that matter here.

The study asked only one ChatGPT question per town and trade. It does not show how Google ranks businesses. It does show that the Maps leader is not always the business others recommend, and that review counts differ a lot between businesses.

How do I know if it is working?

Check your Performance report in your Business Profile. It shows views, calls, website clicks and direction requests from Search and Maps. Pick a date range and compare it over time. Google updates the searches metric at the start of each month.

What should I avoid?

• Do not stuff keywords into your business name.
• Do not use a virtual office or a false address.
• Do not make a second profile for the same business.
• Do not pay anyone who says they can buy you a rank. Google says that is not possible.

Rankings change, and the top 3 is not something you can lock in. A complete, accurate, well-reviewed profile gives Google the best reasons to show you.