Google Shared Their Ranking Secrets With Us!

Jun 30, 2025

Google Shared Their Ranking Secrets With Us!

Ever wondered how Google decides which businesses show up first when someone nearby searches for what you offer? Well, Google recently spilled the beans on what influences your local search rankings, and we're here to break it down for you. Let’s dive into the three main ingredients that make up Google’s secret sauce:

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The Big Three Ranking Factors

  1. Relevance: Google wants to ensure that your business profile accurately reflects what you offer. The closer your profile matches the searcher's query, the more likely you are to pop up in those crucial search results. Add as much information about your business as possible to make your profile more relevant to a variety of searches.
  2. Distance: Google loves local, so it naturally prioritizes businesses that are close to the searcher. But don’t sweat it if you’re not right next door—optimizing your profile to highlight your convenient location can still put you on the map (literally).
  3. Prominence: Google loves a business with a good reputation. Get those reviews rolling in and make sure people are talking about you across the web. The more prominent you are online, the more Google will take notice and push you up the rankings.

Now that you know the ranking factors, it’s time to optimize your profile for them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! Our automated Google Business Profile management tool, Paige, can help you optimize your profile for just $1. It’s like having your own personal SEO expert working around the clock!

About Author

Justin Silverman

Justin Silverman is the Founder and CEO of Merchynt, a local SEO technology company on a mission to make local SEO services not suck—one agency and small business at a time. Since launching Merchynt in 2019, Justin has helped over 20,000 businesses grow through data-driven Google Business Profile optimization and AI-powered local marketing tools like Paige. With more than a decade of experience in digital marketing and business growth, Justin previously held executive roles at Vista Group, where he served as VP of Global Partnerships and President of MovieXchange. He also led strategy and operations at Veezi, helping to scale tech products across international markets. Justin's career has spanned roles in marketing, partnerships, and operations, working with companies from early-stage startups to global enterprises. His deep knowledge of local search, combined with real-world leadership, positions him as a trusted voice in the local SEO and SaaS space. Under his leadership, Merchynt has become a go-to provider for agencies and small businesses seeking to dominate local search rankings through white-label solutions, AI automation, and performance-focused strategy. Justin continues to speak, write, and build tools with one mission in mind: to help 298 million businesses get found online by their perfect customer.