How to Rank for ‘Best Near Me’ Searches Without Ads
“Best Near me” searches have become major drivers of local search traffic, especially on mobile devices. It is used by users that want to find local businesses close to their current location, such as “the best Chinese restaurant near me.”
In a digital landscape where more than eighty two percent of smart phone shoppers use “near me” searches and thirty percent of all mobile searches are location related, it's easy to see why it's important to rank for the “best near me” searches.
Ranking for “near me” searches is essential for local businesses, as people searching using the “near me” search have high intent and are ready to take immediate action. It helps you attract nearby customers who are ready to make a purchase.
Google uses several factors to ensure it shows users the most relevant results.. These factors include:
Google relies on ranking signals to determine the best web pages or websites to display in local search engine results pages (SERPs):
You can still rank for “near me” searches in areas you target, even when your physical store is not in the same location. When you target numerous areas you serve, it's essential to optimise your location pages accordingly. This is how Google determines if your business meets user location and intent.
In order to rank for “best near me” searches, you need a strong local SEO presence. Google relies on different signals, including your Google Business Profile, website content, and citations to determine if your business is relevant to the search query. At Genie Crawl, we recommend you follow the tips below to rank in “best near me” searches:
Ensure your Google Business Profile is accurate and up to date, this includes your NAP (Name, Address, Phone), along with operating hours, and high quality images. Use location keywords in your profile description and remember, respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to show engagement and trust.
Encourage your happy customer to leave reviews on Google, social media, and other reputable review sites. Always respond to all reviews, showing you care about your customer feedback.
Whether you are completing your Google Business Profile or a social media page, ensure your business information remains consistent across all platforms. Inconsistencies confuse search engines and can negatively impact your ranking in “best near me” searches.
Create a landing page for each area you serve, using your location-based keywords. Include specific information about your services or products in these areas, ensuring you are relevant in search results.
Schema mark-up should be added to your website, defining the areas you serve and helping search engines understand your content.
Internal linking is essential, improving user experience, providing a seamless navigation of your website. Linking your location-based pages to your home page, and other relevant pages, can improve authority.
“Best near me” searches have become a powerful way for local businesses to reach their potential customers. These searches tend to have high intent, helping to boost visibility, traffic, and engagement. Do you need help ranking for “best near me” searches? Contact the Genie Crawl now and receive your free evaluation and quote.
Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your enquiry.