02/13/2026
If you own a local service business, here are 3 things Google looks at to decide whether to show your business in search results:
1. Relevance: Does your website and Google listing actually say what you do and where you do it?
If you’re a roofer in Austin but your website just says “quality services for your home,” Google has no idea what to do with you.
2. Distance: How close are you to the person searching?
You can’t control this, but you CAN make sure your address is verified and your service areas are listed correctly.
3. Prominence: How well-known is your business online?
This comes from reviews, directory listings, backlinks, and overall online presence.
Most businesses focus on #1 and completely ignore #2 and #3.
If you want to start somewhere today: go to your Google Business Profile and make sure every single field is filled out. That alone puts you ahead of most competitors.
Want to know exactly where you stand? I’ll audit your online presence for free.
brandloc.com/free-audit/