Google Maps
How does Google Maps ranking work?
Google decides which businesses to show on Maps mainly by relevance, distance and prominence.
Tell us about your business and what you need.
The short answer
In short.
Relevance is how well your profile matches the search. Distance is how far you are from the person searching. Prominence is how well known the business is, which takes in reviews, ratings and links from other websites. You can improve relevance and prominence. Distance you cannot change, which is why the same business ranks differently in different suburbs.
Relevance
Relevance is how well your Business Profile matches what someone typed. Complete and detailed information helps Google understand what you do: the right primary category, accurate additional categories, a full services list and a website with clear pages about each service.
Distance
Distance is how far your business is from the searcher. If a customer does not share their location, Google uses what it knows about it. This is why a business can be in the top three near its own address and harder to find a few suburbs away.
Prominence
Prominence is how well known the business is. Google says this draws on information such as how many websites link to your business and how many reviews you have. More reviews and positive ratings can help.
What you cannot buy
Google states there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. Ads appear in their own labelled spots; they do not change your position in the map results.
What this means in practice
Because distance matters, a business needs to see its position from several locations, not one. In our September 2026 study of Newcastle trades, we checked eight trades from 49 points across the city. No listing was in the top three at every point. That was a one-day snapshot of those searches, not a prediction for another business.
What to work on
The parts within your control: an accurate, complete profile; useful service pages; a steady flow of genuine reviews; and links from real local organisations you work with.
From clients
What clients say about working with spareday
“Excellent in all facets of web design with particular expertise in SEO and email marketing. Online visibility has skyrocketed since working Reece which translates as flawless customer relations, new leads and new customers.”
“Huge shoutout to Reece for building my website for Hughesys Painting Services. Since it went live my phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”
“He created a stunning website for us that captures and nurtures leads with an automated email marketing system, which has filled a huge gap in the business and saved a lot of time (and money!).”
Official guidance
For independent guidance, see Google Business Profile Help.
Common questions
Questions people ask.
Can I pay Google to rank higher on Maps?
No. Google states there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. Ads appear separately and are labelled.
Why do I rank well near my office but not across town?
Distance. Google weighs how far your business is from the person searching, so positions usually fall away further from your address.
Do reviews affect Google Maps ranking?
Yes. Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help, as part of how well known a business is.
Who you’ll work with
Hi, I’m Reece.
spareday is my business, based here in Newcastle. You’ll deal with me from the first review of your website, and I’m the person you talk to each month about what’s working.
Find us
spareday in Newcastle.
12 Grey Street, Wickham, Newcastle NSW 2293.
Next step
Get a free growth plan.
Google Maps SEO in Newcastle starts with a baseline: the same search checked from a grid of points across your area. Then we work through the profile, the pages and the review routine in priority order, and repeat the checks to see what moved. Get my free growth plan to see your starting point.
Or call 0485 017 387.