Question

How does Google Maps ranking work?

Short answer 39 words

Google says local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. Relevance is how well a profile matches the search, distance is how far it is from the searcher, and prominence is how well known the business is.

The fuller answer

You can influence relevance and prominence. You cannot change distance, so rank varies with where the searcher stands.

See rank grid, Maps rank tracking and the local SEO ranking factors guide.

Google's three factors

Relevance

How well the profile matches the search.

Distance

How far you are from the searcher.

Prominence

How well known you are, partly from reviews and links.

Free tool
See your grid

Where you appear on Maps from different points around you.

Maps rank checker

Your next steps

Today

  1. Check your rank from three points.

This week

  1. Improve relevance: categories and services.

This month

  1. Build prominence: reviews and local mentions.
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