SEO
21 Apr, 2025

How To Rank In Local Search

Author

Brielle Delmar

Which One Drives More Sales?

If you run a local business, showing up on Google when people search for your services is very important. Whether you have a shop, a restaurant, or offer services in your area, local search helps customers find you faster.

Ranking in local search results means your business appears in Google’s local results and on Google Maps, making it easier for nearby customers to discover what you offer.

Let’s go over the basics of local SEO and how you can start improving your local search ranking.

How Do You Rank in Local Searches?

To rank in local searches, your business must show up in Google’s localized results, including the Local 3 Pack and Google Maps. Here’s how you can make that happen:

  • Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.
  • Ensure your business information is accurate, complete, and consistent across the web.
  • Add relevant local keywords to your business description.
  • Gather and respond to customer reviews.
  • Keep your profile active with posts, photos, and updates.

These elements help Google understand what your business offers and whether it’s relevant to what the user is searching for.

Local SEO Best Practices

Local SEO helps your business appear in search results when someone looks for services in a specific area. The good news is, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your chances of showing up. Read more about what is local seo and how it works. You need to ensure the following things:

  • Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details are consistent across all platforms.
  • Create location-specific content for your website or blog.
  • Build local backlinks from trusted sources in your community.
  • Use schema markup to enhance your local listings for search engines.

How to Optimize for Google Maps

If you want your business to show up in Google Maps, start by making sure your Google Business Profile is complete. Add your business hours, services, phone number, website, and plenty of clear photos.

Use the correct category when setting up your profile. For example, if you’re a dentist, choose “Dentist” instead of something general like “Health Service.” This helps Google know exactly what you do.

You should also ask happy customers to leave reviews and try to respond to those reviews. Reviews help build trust with new customers and show Google that your business is active and trustworthy.

If you want your business to show up in Google Maps, start by making sure your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate. Precisely, add:

  • Business hours
  • Phone number
  • Website link
  • Service list
  • High-quality photos
  • The correct category for your business

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and respond to them regularly. This builds trust and shows Google your business is active and engaging.

How Do You Rank Locally Understanding Google’s Local Algorithm

Google’s local algorithm is what decides which businesses to show when someone searches locally. This system looks at three main things:

  1. Relevance – Does your business offer what the person is searching for?
  2. Distance – How close is your business to the person or the area they searched for?
  3. Prominence – How well-known is your business online?

Google constantly updates this system, so it’s important to keep your business information up to date and stay active online.

Basics of Google Maps Ranking

Google Maps shows businesses based on location, relevance, and how active they are. If your business is close to the person searching, matches what they’re looking for, and has good reviews, you are more likely to appear.

Also, if people often click on your listing, ask for directions, or call you from Maps, Google notices that and may show your business more often.

Signals that improve ranking on Maps include:

  • Complete and up-to-date profile
  • High-quality images and reviews
  • Frequent user engagement like clicks, calls, or direction requests
  • Regular updates and activity on your profile

Why Google Business Profile Optimization is Important

Your Google Business Profile is your digital storefront. It’s often the first thing potential customers see in local search or on Google Maps. Here’s why it’s important:

  • It feeds directly into the local 3-pack and Maps results.
  • It allows for engagement; users can call, visit your website, read reviews, and even message you.
  • Optimized profiles get more visibility and trust.

To optimize effectively:

  • Fill out every available field.
  • Choose the right business category and subcategories.
  • Use local keywords in your business description.
  • Post regular updates, offers, and events.
  • Enable messaging and booking (if applicable).
  • Monitor insights to understand what’s working.

Why Reviews Matter for Local SEO

Online reviews are one of the most powerful tools for local SEO. When people leave good reviews, it helps build trust with other customers. It also tells Google that your business is doing a good job.

The more reviews you have, the better. But it’s not just about numbers. Reviews with helpful comments and local keywords can also improve your visibility.

Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by sending them a link or asking politely after a good experience. Always respond to reviews, whether they are good or bad. This shows you care and keeps your profile active.

How Do You Dominate Local Search?

To dominate local search, you need to go beyond just showing up. You want to own the space your business operates in:

  • Complete and optimize your Google Business Profile
  • Collect and manage customer reviews
  • Build local citations and get listed in directories
  • Publish location-based content regularly
  • Maintain consistent branding and messaging across all platforms

Consistency, relevancy, and trust are the keys to standing out in a crowded local market.

What Our Local SEO Services Include

At Infiniti Digital, we’re more than just a local SEO agency, we’re your strategic partner in helping your business get found by the right people at the right time. Our customized Local SEO services are designed to improve your visibility in Google’s local search results and Google Maps, so you can attract more nearby customers. Here’s what we offer:

Google Business Profile Setup & Optimization

We set up and fully optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate business details, relevant categories, service areas, and keyword-rich descriptions.

Local Citation Building

Our team lists your business on top directories and niche sites to boost location signals and build search engine trust.

On-Page Local Optimization

We optimize your website content, meta tags, and local schema markup to target location-specific searches.

Reputation Management & Review Strategy

We help you generate positive reviews, respond to customer feedback, and improve engagement on your profile.

Map Pack Ranking Strategy

As a results-driven local SEO agency, we help your business compete for spots in Google’s local pack by boosting relevance, distance signals, and online prominence.

Local Link Building

We acquire locally relevant backlinks to improve your site’s authority and support local search visibility.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

Get clear, actionable reports showing how your local rankings, website traffic, and Google Maps engagement are improving month over month.

Partnering with a reliable local SEO agency like Infiniti Digital gives your business the edge it needs to connect with local customers and grow sustainably.


Local SEO Case Studies

Lawfirm

Increased Calls & Inquiries by 18.7% in 6 Months

View Detail

Home Decor

1,200% Increase in Physical Store Location Requests

View Detail

Travel

Increased Bookings by 304.6% in Just 8 Months

View Detail

Dentist

60.7% More Patients, 221% More Calls in 3 months

View Detail

Insurance

83.5% More Users and 70.3% More Conversions

View Detail

HVAC

12K New Users & 44.8% More Bookings

View Detail

Apparel

$490K in Organic Sales in 6 Months

View Detail

Food & Beverages

41% More Users & 28.3% Revenue Growth

View Detail


Final Thoughts

Ranking in local search takes time, but it’s worth the effort. When your business shows up on Google and Google Maps, more people can find you, visit you, and become customers.

Start with the basics: complete your Google Business Profile, keep your info consistent, and collect reviews. These simple steps can make a big difference in your local search success.

Ready to stand out in your industry? It’s time to get started with local SEO! But first, check your website’s seo score for free.

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