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Free search review

Maps and navigation

Why Google Maps shows other businesses first, and what you can change.

You search for your own service, standing outside your own shop, and a competitor appears first. It feels unfair, but it follows rules Google publishes. You can influence most of them, but not all.

The three things Google looks at

Google says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance, and prominence. Move the sliders to see how they combine against three nearby competitors.

  • You can influence this

    Relevance

    How well your listing matches what someone searched for. Categories, services, descriptions, and your website all tell Google what you do.

    • Choose the most specific primary category
    • List every service you actually offer
    • Match your website service pages to your profile

  • Depends on the searcher

    Distance

    How far you are from the searcher, or from the place named in their search. You cannot change it, and it is why results differ for every person.

    • Never use a fake address; it breaks Google's guidelines
    • Set service areas if you travel to customers
    • Name the areas you serve on your website

  • You can influence this

    Prominence

    How well known your business is, online and offline. Reviews, ratings, links, and mentions on other sites all count.

    • Ask every happy customer for a review
    • Reply to reviews
    • Get listed on relevant local and industry sites

Try it: who shows up first?

You appear #3 of 4 in this example.

  1. Big Brand AirconWell known with many reviews, but farther away
  2. Next Door AirconRight next to the searcher, few reviews
  3. Your business
  4. General Repairs CoVague categories, average reviews

Illustration only. Google does not publish its ranking formula.

Why a competitor shows up above you

Usually it is one or more of these. Be honest about which apply.

  • They are closer to where the searcher is
  • They have more recent reviews or a higher rating
  • Their category matches the search more precisely
  • Their profile is more complete, with hours, photos, and services
  • Their website explains the service and area more clearly
  • Their real business name contains the words people search for. Adding keywords that are not part of your real name breaks Google's guidelines.

Waze, Apple Maps, and in-car navigation

Navigation apps run on listing data, not websites. Waze imports place data from Google Maps to add to its own map, and its volunteer editors review changes through the Waze Map Editor. Apple Maps has its own data and partners, and you manage your place card through Apple Business (previously Apple Business Connect). Siri, CarPlay, and many car systems read from these same listings.

  • Google Maps, Android Auto, and cars with Google built in: manage through Google Business Profile
  • Waze: largely follows Google place data; suggest fixes in the Waze Map Editor
  • Apple Maps, Siri, and CarPlay: claim your place card at business.apple.com

Check that your listings match

Open each app, find your business, and tick every detail that matches your real details. Anything left unticked is a fix to make.

Tick each detail that matches your real business details.

Listing consistency check across map apps
DetailGoogle MapsWazeApple MapsYour website
Business name
Map pin location
Address
Phone number
Opening hours
Category

0 of 24 details match

Voice assistants and AI use the same data

When someone tells their car to navigate to the nearest pest control, or asks Gemini for a recommendation, the answer comes from these listings. A wrong pin or an old phone number does not just lose one search. It can send a customer to the wrong place.

Common questions

Can I pay Google to rank higher on Maps?

No. Google says you cannot pay for a better local ranking. Ads can appear on Maps, but they are labelled as sponsored and kept separate from the regular results.

Why does my position change when I move a few streets?

Distance is part of the ranking. As the searcher's location changes, so does the order of nearby businesses.

How do I fix wrong details on Waze?

Correct your Google Business Profile first, because Waze uses Google place data. For places that exist only in Waze, suggest an edit in the Waze Map Editor, where local editors review changes.

Does Apple Maps matter in Malaysia?

Yes, for iPhone users, who often use Apple Maps and Siri by default. Claiming your place card through Apple Business is free.