Google Growth FAQ.

Google says local results are based mainly on relevance (how well a profile matches the search), distance (how far the business is from the searcher or the searched location) and prominence (how well known the business is, informed by things like reviews, links and web presence). The exact weighting isn't public.

Reviews are only one signal. The competitor may be closer to the searcher, use a more relevant primary category, have stronger website relevance or authority, or have a longer, more consistent profile history. A side-by-side audit usually shows which gaps matter in your market.

Distance from the searcher is a core factor, so results shift from neighborhood to neighborhood. A single search from your office only shows one point — your visibility can look very different a few miles away.

"Near me" results favor businesses that are close to the searcher and clearly relevant. Common causes of low visibility: a mismatched primary category, missing services, thin website content, inconsistent business details, or simply stronger competitors nearer to where people are searching.

It's harder, because distance matters. Service-area businesses can often build some visibility in nearby areas through relevant location content and authority, but results in distant cities are typically limited. Creating fake addresses violates Google's guidelines and risks suspension.

No. Google controls its algorithms and results vary by searcher location, device and history. Anyone guaranteeing a specific position is overpromising. We focus on improving the signals that matter and measuring real visibility and inquiries.

Profile corrections can show changes within weeks. Broader gains from reviews, content and authority usually build over several months, depending on how competitive your market is.

Choose the primary category that most precisely describes your core business — not the broadest one. Add secondary categories only for services you genuinely provide. Reviewing which categories top local competitors use is a useful starting point.

There's no official required frequency. Regular, genuine updates — for example weekly or a few times a month — keep the profile current and give searchers useful information. Consistency and relevance matter more than volume.

It can. Your website helps Google understand what you offer and where, and Google lists links and web presence among prominence factors. Clear service pages, consistent business details and local relevance support your profile.

A GeoGrid scan checks where a business appears for a search from many points across a map, then displays the results as a grid or heatmap. It's a sampled snapshot rather than Google's internal ranking, but it reveals coverage gaps and progress over time.

Google states that review count and rating factor into local ranking as part of prominence. Reviews also strongly influence whether searchers choose you. They're important, but not the only factor.

Respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews. Thank people, address concerns without arguing, and offer to continue the conversation offline. Never offer incentives for reviews or ask only happy customers.

Citations are online mentions of your business name, address and phone number — on directories, data aggregators and industry sites. Consistent citations help confirm your business details across the web.

Start with an accurate, complete Google Business Profile with the right categories and services, add clear service pages to your website, keep business details consistent, and build steady, ethical review activity. Fast, private follow-up on inquiries turns visibility into appointments.

Keep responses general and professional. Never confirm that the reviewer is or was a patient, and never reference treatment or personal details — even if the reviewer shared them. Invite them to contact the office directly to discuss concerns.