How to rank for local „businesses near me“ search queries

The search has changed in the last four years. Anyone who is paying attention knows that.
Since 2014, mobile searches have overtaken desktop searches. At the same time, Google has given local search so much priority that it has become almost impossible to find non-local results. In fact:
These two factors, combined with the simultaneous increase in voice search, have changed the game when it comes to ranking for local search queries on Google.
You explain why search queries for „businesses near me“ have skyrocketed. When someone is looking for a restaurant or a shop to visit, they're probably not looking for something 100 miles away. They want to know what they can find in their immediate vicinity.
Fortunately, there are a few simple measures you can take to improve your „near me“ search results.

Understanding which factors influence the „Near Me“ search

It is important to understand which factors make the biggest difference in „near me“ searches. The solution is not to stuff your website with „near me“ keywords. Instead, keep these three things in mind.

1. The relevance of your business to the search performed. Google only wants to deliver relevant results. This means that if someone searches for a shoe shop, your clothing shop may not appear, even if you also sell shoes. Likewise, a sushi restaurant will not rank as highly for a search for „Asian restaurants near me“ as it will for a search for „Sushi restaurants near me.“
2. How close your business is to the searcher's location. People searching for „near me“ want businesses close by. Even if your business is relevant, being 100 miles away means you will be ranked lower than a business that is only five miles from the searcher's location.
3. How well-known your company is online. A company with a top-tier website, multiple directory listings, and a strong social media presence is likely to rank higher than one with a weak online presence.

The key is to make clear what your business does and where it is based, and to back this up with the strongest possible online presence.

Boost your search signals

To improve your ranking, you need to let Google and other search engines know where you are. One way to do this is by planting virtual flags by listing your business in online directories and review sites.
Start by searching for the key terms for „near me“ to see where you rank in the results. Pay attention to the websites that appear at the very top. These are likely to include:

• Yelp
• Foursquare
• TripAdvisor

You may also see local directories that are tailored to your area or niche. Make a note of these. Then claim your listings on each website. If you are not listed, create a profile.
Ensure your NAP details are consistent. It should be clear that the business listed on Yelp is the same one as on Foursquare, and the one linked to your Facebook page.

Make your business stand out from the rest in the area

How does your business stand out from others that appear in „near me“ searches? One way to find out is to vary your search terms and focus on the things you offer that others don't.
Let's say you own a sushi restaurant. You should search for „sushi restaurants near me“ but you could also vary and search for these terms:

• 24-hour sushi restaurants near me
• Sushi restaurants near me that deliver.
• Best Sushi Restaurants Near Me
• Affordable sushi restaurants near me

I hope you get the idea. If you’re the only sushi restaurant in the area that offers a delivery service, you can attract new customers by highlighting this service.

Name local landmarks and other distinguishing features

Your NAP entries tell potential customers where to find you, but they may use different terms to define what is located near them. For example, in many large cities, there are specific neighbourhoods. In San Diego, these include:

• Normal altitudes
• The Golden Triangle
• Mira Mesa

The same applies to other large cities. If you identify with the neighbourhood you're in, you might do better with a search for „near me“.
The same applies to landmarks. Someone in Seattle might search for „Italian restaurants near the Space Needle.“ You can also mention well-known businesses nearby (provided they aren’t your competitors). Adding exterior photos can also help identify your location.

Reaching mobile customers

According to Review Tracker, 14 % of all search queries by people who want to visit a shop straight away. It makes sense to target these people, many of whom are searching on mobile devices.
One way to do this is to list your phone number on all your listings. Some websites allow you to enable a „Call Now“ feature, so mobile users can call you with a single tap. One example of this is Facebook, where mobile advertisers can choose „Call Now“ as a CTA button.

Encourage your customers to review your business

The final step you need to take is to encourage your customers to review your business on Google. Any review can be helpful, but for obvious reasons, Google reviews carry more weight than reviews on other websites.
Remember that businesses that actively ask for reviews generally receive more reviews and have a higher average rating than those that do not. One reason for this is that people who are satisfied often don't bother to leave a review – whereas people who are unhappy are motivated to leave one.
You can start by creating a link through which your customers can submit a review. Detailed instructions on how to do this can be found here.
Of course, you also need to monitor your reviews and respond to them where necessary. This way, readers of the reviews can see that you care about your customers' experiences.

Remember that rankings change.

Even if you have implemented all the measures suggested here, it is important to monitor your search results. If you are still not achieving the ranking you deserve, you must double your efforts to ensure that people near you can find you.