How do I show up for "near me" searches on Google?
Google ranks local results on relevance, distance and prominence. To show up for "near me" searches, complete and verify your Google Business Profile, pick the right categories, keep your name, address and phone consistent everywhere, earn reviews, and have a fast website with a clear page for each service and area you cover.
How does Google choose local results?
Google says local results are based mainly on three things: relevance (how well your business matches the search), distance (how far you are from the person or the place they searched) and prominence (how well known and well reviewed your business is). You can't change where someone is standing, so focus on relevance and prominence.
Local SEO checklist
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile.
- Choose accurate categories and add every service you offer.
- Add hours, photos and a link to the right page on your website.
- Keep your name, address and phone identical on your site, profile and directories.
- Ask for reviews after every job, and reply to them.
- Build a page for each service and, if you travel, the main areas you serve.
- Make your site fast and phone-friendly, with your phone number one tap away.
- Add LocalBusiness structured data to your website.
Do I need to add "near me" to my website?
No. Writing "near me" on your pages doesn't help. Google already knows where the searcher is. What helps is clearly naming your services and the towns or neighbourhoods you serve.
How long does local SEO take?
Fixing your profile and basic details can help within weeks. Building reviews and authority is ongoing. Keep at it steadily rather than all at once.
Questions people also ask
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating and managing a Google Business Profile is free.
Do reviews help my local ranking?
Reviews are part of how prominent your business looks, and they also help people choose you once they see you.
Can I rank in a town where I don't have an address?
Service-area businesses can list the areas they serve on their profile and website. Ranking far from your location is harder, because distance is one of the main factors.