Proximity Ranking

Proximity ranking is a local search algorithm factor that prioritizes businesses based on their physical distance from the searcher's location or the location specified in the query. In Google's local algorithm, proximity is one of the three core ranking factors alongside relevance and prominence. For 'near me' searches, proximity becomes even more critical. Businesses can't change their physical location, but they can optimize for proximity by ensuring accurate location data in Google Business Profile, using service area businesses settings appropriately, and creating location-specific content for different neighborhoods or regions they serve. Proximity ranking explains why two identical businesses might rank differently for users in different parts of a city.