But here's the kicker: most small business owners don't realize that they can show up in those results, too. Or that Google Maps is essentially a second search engine that needs its own kind of optimization. If you're not visible there, you're missing out on a huge stream of ready-to-buy customers.
In this post, I'll walk you through what "near me" searches actually are, how they work, and what you need to do to make sure your business is found. No fluff. No tech jargon. Just real steps that can help you get seen.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get your business in front of more local customers and what mistakes to avoid.
"Near me" searches are what people type when they need something close and fast. Things like:
And when they do? Google often shows them a map with three local businesses at the top of the search results. This is called the Local Pack. And trust me—this is prime real estate.
According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day. And 28% make a purchase.
Let me repeat that: Over a quarter of "near me" searches turn into paying customers.
So if your business isn’t showing up there, you’re handing business to your competitors.
Google uses three key factors to decide which businesses show up in those "near me" searches:
This is how well your business matches what the person is searching for. If someone types in "nail salon near me," and your profile says "manicure, pedicure, acrylic nails," you’re in the game.
Google looks at how close your business is to the person searching. You can't change your location, but you can help Google understand where you serve (more on that soon).
This is how well-known and trusted your business is—online and off. It includes:
Think of it like your business's reputation score.
If you're a service-area business (SAB) like a plumber, cleaner, or mobile groomer, you might be wondering why you're not showing up in the Local Pack—even if your Google Business Profile is verified.
Here is a short video explaining:
Here’s why that might be happening:
Service-area businesses can show up in local results, but it takes consistent effort and full profile optimization.
Okay, let’s talk action. Here’s how you can start showing up when people are looking for businesses like yours.
This is your ticket to getting found on Google Maps and local results.
Reviews are huge. Not just for customers, but for Google.
This shows Google you’re active, and helps build trust with potential customers.
These are mentions of your business across the web—on sites like Yelp, YellowPages, Facebook, and industry-specific directories.
Even if you don’t get a ton of web traffic, your site tells Google what you do and where you are.
Most businesses don’t do this. But posting updates, offers, or events shows Google that you’re active and trustworthy.
You’d be surprised how many businesses miss the basics. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
You don’t need to be a tech genius. Just focus on these fundamentals:
These steps alone can boost your chances of showing up in "near me" searches and bring in more local customers.
Want to go deeper into how Google reviews affect your ranking? Check out our post on How One Google Review Can Cost You New Business.
And if you want a tool that helps you manage reviews, collect private feedback, and improve your visibility automatically? Review Navigator makes it simple.
Q: Do I need a physical storefront to show up in Google Maps?
A: No. If you serve customers in a specific area (like a plumber or mobile dog groomer), you can list your service areas instead. But a physical address does help with visibility.
Q: Can I just put "near me" in my business name or website to show up?
A: Nope. Google is smart enough to understand location based on your profile, site content, and where the searcher is. Trying to cheat the system can backfire.
Q: How often should I ask for reviews?
A: Regularly! Especially when customers are happiest—after a great visit, service call, or compliment.
Need help navigating all this? That’s exactly why we built Review Navigator for. Try it free and see how much easier it can be to show up and stand out.
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