Proximity ranking factors user distance into local search results. While you can’t change location, optimize for wider service areas through content, citations, and reviews from diverse locations.
Ever wonder why a friend gets a different list of restaurants than you do when you both search for “pizza near me”? It is not a trick; it is all about proximity ranking. For 15 years, I have helped local businesses get found by people who are close by, and it is a total game-changer. I am going to explain what is proximity ranking in local SEO? and give you some simple, actionable tips to use it for your business. Get ready to attract more local customers and dominate your neighborhood!
What is Proximity Ranking in Local SEO?
So, what is proximity ranking in local SEO? It is how close a person is to your business when they do a search. Google uses a person’s location to show them the most relevant businesses. For example, if I search for “coffee shop,” Google will show me the coffee shops closest to me first. The closer my business is to the searcher, the better my chance of showing up.
I think of proximity as the most important factor in local search. It is about being in the right place at the right time. My job is to make sure Google knows exactly where my business is so that when a person is nearby, my business is the first one they see. This is how I turn a simple search into a customer walking through the door.
How Proximity Impacts Your Rankings
Proximity is a huge ranking factor for local search. Google wants to provide the most helpful results, and when a person is looking for something “near me,” the closest business is usually the most helpful. This is why I can sometimes outrank a bigger competitor just by being closer to the searcher. My location is my secret weapon.
I always make sure my business’s address is correct on my Google Business Profile and on my website. I also get my business listed on as many local directories as possible. This helps Google confirm my location and gives me a better chance to rank when someone nearby is searching for what I offer. It is all about building trust with Google about my location.
Proximity Ranking in Local SEO on Different CMS Platforms
Proximity is not about the CMS itself, but how I use the CMS to tell Google about my location. I use the tools on each platform to make sure my location information is loud and clear for search engines.
WordPress
On WordPress, I use plugins for local SEO. I use a plugin to create a special page for my location, with my address, phone number, and a Google Map. I also use a “Local Business” schema plugin to add special code to my pages. This code tells Google my exact address, phone number, and hours, which is perfect for proximity-based searches.
Shopify
For a Shopify store, I might not have a physical store, but I can use proximity to target local customers. I can write blog posts about local events or trends. I also make sure to set up my contact page with my full address if I have a physical location. I can also use apps to show a local map and a link to my Google Business Profile.
Wix
Wix makes it easy to add a “contact” page with my address and a map. I make sure this information is very easy to find for both my customers and for Google. I also make sure my business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are exactly the same everywhere they appear on my site. This helps Google be confident about my location.
Webflow
With Webflow’s custom CMS, I can build a dedicated “local landing page” for each of my locations if I have more than one. I can add the correct schema, a Google Map, and a list of local services. This gives me a lot of control and allows me to create a page that is perfectly optimized for proximity-based searches. It is a very powerful way to handle local SEO.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, I can build a system that manages my local information perfectly. I can work with a developer to make sure the address and phone number are on every page in the footer. I can also create a dynamic map that shows a person how far they are from my business. This kind of custom work is a huge advantage for proximity.
Proximity Ranking in Local SEO in Various Industries
Proximity is important for any business that serves local customers. I adapt my strategy to fit the needs of each industry.
Ecommerce
For an ecommerce site, proximity might not be about a physical store. I can use proximity to target local customers for my delivery service. I create content about special offers for a specific city or neighborhood. This helps me get found by people in that area who are searching for online shopping with local delivery.
Local Businesses
Proximity is the most important thing for a local business. For a restaurant, I make sure my address is correct on every listing. For a service provider, I make sure to list the cities and neighborhoods I serve. This helps me get found when people in those areas search for my services.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
For a SaaS company, proximity is not usually a factor unless I have an office for local customers. In that case, I will create a dedicated page for my location. I will also use local keywords in my content to attract local businesses that might be a good fit for my software. It is a small but important part of my overall strategy.
Blogs
On a blog, I use proximity to connect with my local readers. I might write about local events or places to visit. For example, a food blogger can write about “the best brunch spots in my city.” This helps them get found by people in that area and builds a loyal local following.
FAQ
What is proximity ranking in Local SEO?
Proximity ranking in Local SEO refers to how close a user is to your business when they perform a search. Google uses this as a major ranking factor to show the most relevant, nearby businesses in the search results, especially for searches like “restaurants near me.”
How can I improve my proximity ranking?
You can improve your proximity ranking by making sure your business address is correct and consistent everywhere online. This includes your Google Business Profile, your website, and other local directories. This helps Google confirm your location and trust that you are a good match for local searches.
Does my physical location matter for proximity?
Yes, your physical location matters a lot. For a user searching for a local service, your address is the most important factor. The closer you are to the searcher, the higher you will likely rank in the local pack and map results.
How can I use proximity if I do not have a physical store?
Even without a physical store, you can use proximity by targeting local keywords in your content. Write about local events, offer services to specific neighborhoods, and make sure your Google Business Profile is set up as a “service area business.” This helps you get found by people in the areas you serve.
