One of my favorite tools I like to use with potential clients is the local search grid. This grid clearly illustrates how a business is ranking in Google’s map pack, which is the three businesses just to the left of the map, and Google’s local finder, which you can get to by clicking on more businesses.
Obviously, the goal is to be in the top three, but as most people are searching on mobile and also through the Google Maps app, you can go as deep as seventh and still get calls.
So, using this grid, I can really illustrate what we’re trying to achieve when we do marketing on their behalf. But the tool also works in the opposite direction.
Proximity is a huge ranking factor for Google Business Profiles. So, when you move even 10 miles away in a very densely populated area, it’s going to be very difficult to rank.
Which is why we always recommend paid search for any contractor with a wide service area.
