Folks who know me know that my bread and butter is paid media and Google Ads, but at B&G Collective I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few brands on their presence with Google Business.
For tons of local businesses, the lowest-hanging, highest-value stuff available is your Google Business Page.
Depending on who you ask, Google Business profiles are of higher value than on-page SEO for local businesses. Last year, 93% of consumers used Google Maps to find local businesses.? Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing 6 of the most important factors that can help
?#1. Why Location Matters for Google Business Rankings:
Impact Score 6/10
When it comes to local search, Google Business Profiles play a critical role in how businesses appear to users searching for products or services nearby. But did you know that your business’s location—especially its proximity to a city’s center—can significantly affect how you rank?
Here’s how it works: Google aims to show users the most relevant results based on where they are. If a user is searching for a service, Google will look at their location and prioritize businesses that are either:
Close to the user’s physical location, or
In or near the center of the city (if the user is simply searching for “service + city name”).
Why the focus on city centers? Google assumes that businesses located closer to a city’s center often serve more of the population, which can mean they’re likely more accessible to a larger audience. But when a user is further away or searches with location-sharing enabled, Google will often adjust and display businesses closest to their actual location. This proximity factor is why you might notice a business ranking differently depending on where you search from, even if the keywords are the same.
?? Pro tip: If you’re a business owner, make sure your Google Business Profile is fully optimized with accurate location information, service areas, and relevant keywords. Staying active with posts, updates, and reviews can also help your business stay relevant for local searches in your area.
