Google Doesn’t Rank the “Best” Businesses. Here’s What It Actually Looks For

July 09, 2025•4 min read

Quick Question:

“I’m doing everything right. So why isn’t my business showing up on Google?”

Quick Answer:

Because Google doesn’t rank businesses based on how good you are.
It ranks you based on how well you match what people are searching for and how easy you are to find and trust.

Let’s break down the 3 real factors that determine how (and if) your local business shows up on Google and what to do if you’re not getting found.

Relevance: Can Google Tell What You Actually Do?

You could be the best med spa, fitness coach, or dental clinic in town, but if your Google Business Profile is vague, incomplete, or missing keywords, Google has no idea what you actually offer.

What’s usually wrong:

You're listed as “Health Services” instead of “Chiropractor”
You haven't added your key services (Botox, IV drip, Invisalign, etc.)
Your business description is generic or outdated

Fix it fast:

✅ Choose a specific business category (not general)
✅ Add all your core services as “Service Items”
✅ Write a clear, keyword-rich business description that reflects what people search for

Pro Tip: Think like your customer. Are they searching for “facial sculpting” or “advanced dermal filler sessions?” Use their language, not industry jargon.

Distance: How Close Are You to the Person Searching?

Google doesn’t just ask “What are you?”
It also asks, “Where are you in relation to the person searching?”

Even if your profile is optimized, if your business is too far away from the searcher or Google isn’t sure where you’re located, you’ll fall off the radar.

What’s usually wrong:

Your address is missing or entered incorrectly
You haven’t defined your service area
You’re using a PO box or virtual office (bad for local SEO)

Fix it fast:

✅ Add your full physical address, even if you do home visits or virtual services
✅ Define service areas using specific zip codes, cities, or neighborhoods
✅ Embed a Google Map on your site and ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent everywhere

Reminder: Google shows what’s nearby. If your competitor is 2 blocks closer and easier to understand, they win.

Prominence: Do People Trust and Talk About You?

This is the most overlooked factor but it’s the one that builds your long-term visibility.

Prominence = How known, trusted, and active you are online.

What’s usually broken:

You only have 3 reviews from 2021
No recent posts or updates on your Google Business Profile
You’re not mentioned on other local directories (aka citations)
Your site has no backlinks or social proof

Fix it fast:

✅ Ask happy customers to leave a Google review weekly
✅ Post photos, updates, offers, and Q&As regularly on your profile
✅ List your business on directories like Yelp, Bing, Apple Maps, etc.
✅ Share testimonials and media features on your site and socials

Prominence is not about being big. It’s about being active, seen, and trusted.

Real Talk: Ranking = Relevance + Distance + Prominence

No amount of ads, hashtags, or even website traffic will fix a broken local SEO foundation.

If Google can’t clearly see:

What you do
Where you are
That people like you and trust you

...you’ll stay buried beneath competitors who do.

What Happens When You Get This Right?

You rank higher in the Local 3-Pack (Google Maps box at the top)
You get calls and bookings from people searching near you
You spend less on ads because your organic visibility improves
You become the “go-to” in your area without shouting louder

The Clicksense Method

At Clicksense, we don’t just help you look good to Google, we build your entire local SEO ecosystem to drive real results.

Using our Local Authority Method, we focus on the foundational pieces that help your clinic stand out and convert in your local area.

Here’s how we help:

Google Profile Deep Dive
We audit and optimize every setting to ensure your Google Business Profile is fully complete, accurate, and positioned for local visibility and trust.
Location & Service Area Strategy
We expand your reach into high-value neighboring areas using proven targeting and optimization tactics that increase exposure where it matters most.
Review & Citation Campaigns
We build systems that consistently grow your positive reviews and directory citations, boosting both your online reputation and search ranking.
Conversion-Optimized Local Landing Pages
We create and refine location-specific pages designed to turn visitors into booked appointments. These pages include:

Easy-to-use booking buttons or forms
Direct, benefit-driven descriptions of your most popular services
Location-specific trust builders like testimonials, hours, and parking info
Fast load speeds and mobile-friendly design

Ongoing SEO Management
SEO isn’t a one-time project, it’s an ongoing effort. We monitor, adjust, and improve your rankings over time to keep your practice competitive and visible.