In a digital world where every local search can turn into a sale, being at the top of Google is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’ve ever wondered why certain businesses appear before others on Google Maps or in local search results, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we reveal the criteria Google uses to decide which businesses to show first in your area and how you can use this information to improve your local business visibility with the help of a specialized local SEO digital marketing agency like YellowRock.
1. What is Local SEO on Google?
Local SEO on Google is the process by which a business appears in the top results of a geolocated search. For example, when someone searches for “Italian restaurant near me” or “hair salon in downtown Malaga,” Google selects which businesses to show first based on several key factors.
These results mainly appear in two places:
The Local Pack or Google Map, which displays 3 highlighted businesses with location, rating, and hours.
Organic results, where optimized business listings can also appear.
2. Why is it so important to appear first on Google?
Studies show that over 70% of clicks go to the top three results in the local map. Furthermore:
A business in the top 3 on Google Maps is 3–5 times more likely to receive visits and calls.
Many users don’t scroll past the first map; they simply choose one of the options Google shows.
Even if you offer a better service or product, if you don’t appear first, you lose opportunities daily.
3. How does Google decide which businesses to show first?
Google uses three main criteria to determine the ranking of local businesses on search and Maps:
🔍 1. Relevance
This refers to how well your Google Business Profile matches what the user is searching for. Factors include:
Correct business category (Japanese restaurant, dental clinic, real estate agency…)
Keywords used in descriptions, posts, reviews, and responses to reviews
Products and services added to the profile
Relevant and updated content
👉 That’s why at YellowRock, we use semantic optimization techniques to ensure your profile responds exactly to what your ideal customer is searching for.
📍 2. Distance
Google prioritizes businesses close to the user’s location or the place they searched. Searching “café” from your home is different than searching in the city center.
💡 However, distance isn’t everything. If your business has better quality signals (reviews, optimization, authority), it can outrank closer competitors.
🌟 3. Prominence
This factor refers to the business’s popularity and online reputation, based on:
Quantity and quality of reviews (especially if they contain relevant keywords)
Average rating
Frequency of new reviews
Profile interactions (clicks, calls, directions requests…)
Backlinks and external mentions
Frequent profile updates
👉 This is where our monthly optimization work at YellowRock comes into play.
4. Optimizing Your Google Business Profile: The Mandatory First Step
Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the starting point for any local SEO strategy.
Key elements we optimize at YellowRock:
Business name (strategic, without spam)
Primary and secondary categories
Optimized description with local keywords
Geolocated and updated photos
Detailed services or products
Weekly posts with CTAs
Strategic review responses
Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
5. Reviews with Keywords: A Decisive Factor
Google analyzes review content to understand what your business does and how customers perceive it.
👉 For example: if someone writes “the best aesthetic clinic in Seville,” that phrase helps you rank for similar searches.
At YellowRock, we use an exclusive technique: generating reviews with strategic keywords, boosting visibility without breaking Google rules.
We also provide tools such as:
Custom QR flyers
Shield landing pages to filter negative opinions
Templates to encourage authentic, effective reviews
6. Posts, Photos, and Activity: Signals Google Values
Many businesses create a profile… and then abandon it.
Google values continuous activity: new photos, posts with offers, events, news. This shows the business is active, engaged, and customer-focused.
At YellowRock, we include strategic posts as part of monthly maintenance.
7. Your Competition Also Matters
Google does not rank you in isolation. It constantly compares you with similar local businesses.
At YellowRock, we analyze competitors within a 3 km radius:
Who is in the top 3
Type of content they post
How they respond to reviews
Rating and review frequency
Dominant keywords
We then design a personalized strategy to surpass them.
8. Which Sectors Benefit Most from Local SEO?
| Sector | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | More reservations and walk-ins |
| Clinics & Health Centers | More calls and appointments |
| Hair & Beauty Salons | More repeat visits |
| Real Estate Agencies | Increased trust and traffic |
| Local Shops | Higher foot traffic and sales |
👉 That’s why we adapt every strategy to the type of local business.
9. How Long Until Results Are Seen?
Local SEO is not instantaneous but is faster than traditional SEO. Usually:
15 days: initial increase in interactions if profile is optimized
1–2 months: reach top 3 in your area with active reviews and content strategy
3 months: consolidate leadership and maintain competitive advantage
10. Can You Do It Yourself or Need an Agency?
You can start on your own, but maintaining a winning strategy month by month requires:
Time
Knowledge of the local algorithm
Competitor analysis
Use of professional SEO tools
Techniques to generate strategically-intended reviews
Hence, many local businesses outsource to a specialized local SEO agency in Spain like YellowRock.
11. What YellowRock Offers
Our service is designed to provide real, measurable results, even for small businesses:
🔧 Initial Setup (one-time €159):
Complete profile optimization
Implementation of local keywords
Shield landing page creation
Review flyer design
🔁 Monthly Optimization (€49/month):
Review management and responses
Weekly posts
Competitor tracking
Profile updates
Local visibility reports
✅ Everything needed for your business to stand out and attract more clients without relying on paid ads.
12. How to Check Your Current Position
At YellowRock, we provide a free local visibility report.
📊 This report shows:
Where you appear vs. competitors
What you can improve to reach the top 3
Which reviews and keywords are boosting or holding you back
Request it without obligation to know your real situation and make strategic decisions.
Conclusion: Appearing First on Google Is No Accident
Ranking at the top on Google in your area depends on a combination of technical factors, optimized content, review management, and consistent activity.
At YellowRock, we help local businesses like yours achieve sustainable visibility with clear, ethical strategies focused on long-term results.
Ready to stand out in your area and attract more clients?
Request your free report now and let’s get started.
