How To Rank Higher on Local Search in 2025?

Do you want to rank higher on local search and drive local customers straight to your door?

When customers search for “best restaurant near me,” do they scroll through the results or choose from the top 3 that Google shows? Over 70% of customers use Google Maps to look for nearby businesses.

So, how do you get your local business to rank higher?

Well, we’re here to show you 6 ways to get your local business rank higher on local search.

Let’s dive in.

How To Get Your Local Business Rank Higher on local search?

So, how do you get your business listing to rank higher in local search?

We’re going to share with you 10 strategies to help your local business show up on the first page of the Google results and attract more customers.

• Optimize your Google Business Profile
• Collect Your Customer Reviews
• Keep Your NAP Consistent Everywhere
• Do Local Keyword Research
• Create Local Content
• On-Page SEO Optimization

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

When it comes to local SEO, one of the very first things you should focus on is your Google Business Profile (GBP). Why? It is the first impression potential customers get when searching for services near them.

Why is it so important? Google’s local search algorithm relies on GBP details to decide who shows up in the “map pack” (the top three listings you see on Maps and Search). If your profile is incomplete or outdated, your competitors will outrank you.

Think about it, when customers search for “best restaurant near me” or “best coffee shop in Chennai,” what shows up first? Google Map Pack appears at the top of Google search results. So, here local businesses appear, but it depends on how well your Google Business Profile is optimized.

Here are the three main factors to decide who gets to appear in that map pack:

• Relevance
• Distance
• Prominence

Relevance

This shows how well your profile matches a customer’s intent.  If you’re more accurate and specific, your profile will be shown to the right audience. Here’s what you need to do:

• Choose specific keywords: Just focusing on broad keywords like “Dentist,” you can choose specific terms like “Orthodontist” or “Pediatric Dentist”, related to your niche searches.
• Use keywords in your description: Mention your services, specialties, and location with keywords to rank. (e.g., “We’re a plumbing service in Chennai specializing in emergency repairs and water heater installations”).

Distance

Google wants to show businesses that are closer to the customers. While you can’t move your office to be everywhere, what you can do is clearly define your service area in your profile.

• Set a service radius: If you deliver or provide services outside your physical location, specify the zip codes, neighborhoods, or cities you serve.
• Keep your address accurate: Many businesses have inconsistencies across Google, websites, and directories. Even a small mismatch can confuse search engines.

Prominence

Google wants to highlight businesses that look reliable and active. So,

• Fill out every section: Business hours, contact details, phone number, website, services, and other attributes.
• Add photos and videos: You can add photos or videos that get more clicks and direction requests.
• Post regular updates: Update your offers, discounts, new products, or news related to your service. Most importantly, you need to post once or twice a week to ensure your business is active.

2. Collect Your Customer Reviews

Reviews are one of the most powerful ranking signals you can use to rank higher. Studies show that 99% of customers read reviews before making a decision. Google loves what customers love, so it's no surprise that Google Maps improves local ranking through positive reviews. Not only this, but customers also give importance to feedback rather than star ratings.

But that doesn’t reach you without asking your customers. You need to ask for reviews and respond to them. Through this, your prospects can know how you give importance to your customers.

Moreover, the detailed reviews that mention specific services or features (e.g., perfect family-friendly restaurant or amazing vegan options) help Google match your business to relevant searches. If someone searches for “best family restaurant,” you can rank higher because it is related to your customers’ reviews.

3. Keep Your NAP Consistent Everywhere

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Getting this wrong, or having inconsistent information around the web, can hurt your local rankings more than you think.

Google constantly cross-checks business information across different platforms to confirm accuracy. If your details are identical everywhere, Google trusts your business and helps you rank higher in local search results.

4. Do Local Keyword Research

Keyword research for local SEO helps you understand your customers’ intent in your specific area. Customers search differently depending on what stage of the buying journey they’re in, and knowing this helps you target the right terms.

There are four main types of search intent.

• Informational intent happens when customers are looking for certain information with queries like “how,” “what,” or “guide.”
• Commercial intent happens when customers are considering something with searches like “best,” “reviews,” or “comparison.”
• Transactional intent happens when customers are ready to buy and use terms like “price,” “discount,” or “buy now.”
• Navigational intent happens when customers type your brand or product name directly because they already know what they want.

Use SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Semrush to choose the right keywords related to your niche. Moreover, you can include city, neighborhood, or “near me” variations to get customers near you.

And type your service into the search bar and check AI Overview, autocomplete suggestions, the People Also Ask section, and related searches at the bottom of the page to reveal questions and phrases that customers are using related to your niche.

5. Create Local Content

To truly rank higher in local search, you need to create strong local content that directly addresses local queries.

Think about your customers who visit your site and figure out what questions they have. What challenges do they face? When your content provides clear answers, useful guidance, and builds trust, it performs well in search and strengthens your local reputation.

You can include blog posts, guides, or FAQs that address common customer concerns. This helps attract backlinks from community sites, blogs, and even news outlets. Moreover, it provides a connection. When you produce material that informs, educates, and resonates with your local audience, you build credibility in your community.

6. On-Page SEO Optimization

Your website needs to have both what you do and where you do it. On-page optimization is a crucial factor to get your local business rank higher on local search.

Start with title tags and meta descriptions. Instead of going with your brand name, use primary keywords with your location. For example: “Affordable Plumbing Services in Chennai”. This shows your business is locally relevant. You can pair it with a compelling meta description that mentions your city with a unique selling point.

Next, refine your headers and page content. Your H1 should include your target keyword and city – avoid stuffing keywords. If you manage multiple location pages, don’t just copy-paste – customize each page with unique content.

Apply Local Strategies to Rank Your Local Business Higher

When it comes to ranking higher in local search, you need to give importance to local SEO. If you give answers for your local customers, you can rank higher in local search. So, try to answer their questions, post articles that educate, and posts that build trust within your community.

If you need help with local marketing, you can contact NB Marketing Solutions. We experts analyze your website’s condition and create strategies to rank higher and drive your customers to your doorstep.