Google doesn’t care if your business offers better products, services, or results compared to your competitors. Google ranks businesses based on data. The business that’s beating you has better “data” than you.

For example, your competitor is newer and has fewer reviews than you, but Google may see them as more “relevant” if their feedback is more recent, descriptive, and is posted more frequently than your business.

Proximity is also a factor. If your business is on the outskirts and a competitor is in the city center, they often rank higher, even if they are newer; Google prioritizes proximity to the customer searching.

Why Your GBP Needs Consistent Data

The most important part in keeping your business “relevant” is your consistency. As long as you keep your Google Business profile or website active regularly with data, then you remain “relevant” to Google.

An example of a business on Google Maps regularly posting “GBP Update” posts.

Staying consistent for a long time increases the “trustworthiness” of your business in Google’s algorithm. Thus, you stay high in the local rankings on Google Maps, or your website ranks high for your target keywords.

If your profile is the most optimized and relevant. As a result, since Google’s algorithm favors you, all the targeted traffic gets directed to your Google Business Profile and/or website.

Just make sure to keep all your “data” (content and activity) human made since, as of late 2025 and mid 2026, Google is penalizing AI content.

Creating Trustworthy & Relevant Data

Targeted keyword strategy: Create a list of the most likely words and phrases a potential customer would use to find your business. Try to use these keywords and phrases naturally throughout all your content.

Creating citations monthly: Creating business citations is the process of going to a business directory site, like Yelp, and creating a listing of your business. Aim for 5 a month and create them with the same NAP data.

How to create a Yelp For Business map listing citation for free

Uploading photos consistently: Take photos and videos of your business, product, or service regularly. Upload them weekly to your GBP and/or website. Ask customers to take photos/videos for reviews as well.

Posting updates regularly: Post GBP updates on your business profile. Share new offers, products, or services. Do the same on your website by posting blogs regularly. This shows Google you’re still “alive” and running.

Review velocity and responses: Try to get reviews regularly, aim for one every week if possible. And make sure to respond to them. Don’t forget about using your target keywords in your responses naturally.

An example of how local SEO works showing Google's 3 pack for searches for a query about HVAC in Austin
A screenshot example of Google’s “map pack” showing the top 3 organic results.

Best case scenario: You use a keyword strategy consistently, upload photos and videos consistently, post GBP updates, and respond to all reviews. You will likely rank in the top 3 results (map pack) on Google.

Want This Fixed, Not Just Explained?

If you want this dealt with properly, our Google Maps optimization service, which starts at $375, includes everything: profile, citations, keyword strategy, and fixing the precise issue you came here for. Consider booking a free consultation with me by clicking here.