What decides Google Maps ranking?

Google says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance, and popularity. Google’s help pages call the third factor prominence. Together these three factors help Google find the best match for each search.

What are the three factors in plain words?

Google says there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. It also keeps the details of the algorithm confidential.

How do I improve relevance?

Relevance depends on how complete and detailed your profile is. Google says businesses with complete and accurate information are more likely to show up in local search results.

1. Verify your business. This tells Google that you are authorized to represent it.
2. Add your full address if customers can visit you.
3. Add your business hours, including special hours.
4. Choose your business category with care. Google asks you to choose the fewest categories that describe your core business.
5. Add other details, such as parking or Wi-Fi, where they apply.
6. Write a business description about your services. Do not add links, prices, or sales offers to it.

Does my business name affect ranking?

Your name must match the real-world name on your sign, your website, and your stationery. Google does not allow marketing taglines, phone numbers, or service descriptions in the name. A name with extra words can lead to a suspended profile. Keep one profile per business. Duplicate profiles can cause problems on Maps and Search.

Why does distance matter so much?

Google measures how far each business is from the person who searches. If the person does not share a location, Google uses what it knows about where they are. You cannot move closer to a customer. You can make sure your address or service area is accurate and precise.

This is why a business in a small Ontario town can rank well for people nearby and poorly for people in the next town.

How do I build prominence?

Prominence means how well known a business is. Google says it also depends on how many websites link to your business and how many reviews you have. More reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking.

1. Ask real customers for reviews after a finished job.
2. Reply to every review. Google says replies show that you value feedback.
3. Add photos and videos of your work and your premises.
4. Keep your website information the same as your profile. Google also draws on public web content and licensed data from third parties.

Two Canadian rules apply here. CASL requires consent before you send a commercial electronic message, and a review request by email or text can count as one. The Competition Bureau treats fake or misleading reviews as a risk, so never write or buy reviews.

What does our August 2026 study show?

Our August 2026 study asked ChatGPT one question per town and trade: who is the best trade in an Ontario town. It then compared the answer with a Google Maps search for the same trade and town. The study covered 39 towns and 10 trades, which gives 390 question pairs.

The study shows that a strong Maps position does not always carry over to other places where customers look. It does not prove why any business ranks where it does. It used one question per town and trade, so treat it as a snapshot.

How do I check what is working?

Open your Business Profile and select Performance. This report is available only for verified profiles. It shows views, searches, calls, website clicks, and direction requests. Set a date range and compare it with an earlier period. The search terms report updates at the start of each month.