How to rank for "businesses near me" in local search queries

Search has changed in the last four years. Anyone who pays attention knows that.
Since 2014, mobile searches have overtaken desktop searches. At the same time, Google has prioritised local searches so much that it has become almost impossible to find non-local results. Indeed:
These two factors combined with the simultaneous rise of voice search have changed the game when it comes to ranking for local search queries on Google
They explain why searches for "businesses near me" have skyrocketed. If someone is looking for a restaurant or a business to visit, they're probably not looking for something 100 miles away. They want to know what they can find near them.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve your search results for "near me".

Understanding which factors influence the "Near Me" search

It's important to understand what 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 company for 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 show up, even if you also sell shoes. Similarly, a sushi restaurant will not rank as highly in a search for "Asian restaurants near me" as it will in a search for "sushi restaurants near me"
2. How close your shop is to the searcher's location. People searching for "near me" want businesses near them. Even if your business is relevant, a distance of 100 miles means you will rank lower than a business that is only five miles away from the searcher's location.
3. How well known your business is online. A business with a top-notch website, multiple directory listings and a strong social media presence will likely rank higher than a business with a weak online presence.

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

Boost your search signals

To improve your rank, you need to let Google and other search engines know where you are. One way to do this is to plant virtual flags by including your business in online directories and review sites.
Start by searching for the most important terms for "near me" to see where you rank in the results. Also pay attention to the websites that appear at the top. These are likely to include:

• Yelp
• Foursquare
• Trip Advisor

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

Set your company apart from others in the neighbourhood

What makes your business different from the others that come up in searches for "near me"? One way to find out is to vary your search terms and focus on the things you offer that others do not.
For example, 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:

• Sushi restaurants near me that are open 24 hours a day
• Sushi restaurants near me that deliver
• Best sushi restaurants near me
• Affordable sushi restaurants near me

I hope you understand the idea. If you are the only sushi restaurant in the area that delivers, you can attract new customers by emphasising your delivery service.

Name local landmarks and other recognisable features

Your NAP listings tell potential customers where to find you, but they may use other terms to define what's in their neighbourhood. For example, many large cities have specific neighbourhoods. In San Diego, these include:

• Normal heights
• The Golden Triangle
• Mira Mesa

The same applies to other large cities. If you identify with the neighbourhood you are in, you can perform better in the "near me" search.
The same goes for landmarks. Someone in Seattle might search for "Italian restaurants near the Space Needle" You can also mention well-known businesses in your neighbourhood (assuming they're not your competitors). Adding outdoor photos can also help identify your location.

Addressing mobile customers

According to the Review Tracker 14 % of all search queries by people who want to visit a shop immediately. It makes sense to target these people, many of whom search using mobile devices.
One way to do this is to include your phone number with all entries. On some websites, you can enable a "Call Now" feature so that mobile users can call you with one touch. An example of this is Facebook, where mobile advertisers can select "Call Now" as a CTA button.

Encourage your customers to rate your company

The final step you need to take is to encourage your customers to review your business on Google. Any review signal can be helpful, but for obvious reasons, Google reviews carry more weight than reviews on other websites.
Remember that businesses that actively solicit reviews tend to get more reviews and have a higher average rating than businesses that don't. One reason for this is that people who are satisfied often don't bother to leave a review - whereas people who are dissatisfied are motivated to leave one.
You can start by creating a link that your customers can use to leave a review. You can find detailed instructions on how to do this here.
Of course, you also need to monitor your reviews and respond to them when necessary. This way, readers of the reviews can see that you care about your customers' experiences.

Remember that rankings change.

Even if you've taken all the steps suggested here, it's important to monitor your search results. If you're still not getting the rank you deserve, you need to redouble your efforts to make sure people in your area can find you.