The local finder vs. Google maps: How do they differ?

Laura Hunter • December 10, 2021

An online presence is critical for any business. Search engines play a crucial role when consumers are researching brands, products, and services they intend to purchase.

Since Google is the most popular search engine, with more than 86% of the market share, it’s essential your strategy capitalises on the value search engines can provide.

Infoserve exists to help ambitious businesses grow. So, we wanted to delve deeper into Google’s functions and what they have to offer you.

Google Local Finder is a subset of Google Search - it contains an extended listing of local businesses which appear when you click on the ‘more places’ link at the bottom of Google’s local pack.

These commonly include many Google My Business listings. Signing up to a ‘Google My Business Account’ is guaranteed to increase your credibility and allow you to show up on tools such as Google Maps and Google Local Finder.

What’s the difference?

Well, businesses' ranking on Google Local Finder can differ from their rankings on Google Maps despite the same search query being used.

What does this mean for my business?

This means that depending on how a customer searches for your brand or business, they may see completely different results.

Google Maps	Google Local Finder
Results showcase a broader view of the area’s business when highlighting location on the map.	Results are more specific and detailed when showcasing location on the map.
No product listings just attribute icons	Product listings show up

Which is better for my business?

Study the results for your targeted search query on both Google Maps and Local Finder…

It is good to know the rankings (you and your competitors) for particular search queries.

Generally, Google Maps opens a broader net than Google Local Finder. So if you’re a brand that wants to rank beyond your location, this is something to consider.

It’s important to note, however, that while the radius is more expensive, your ranking could actually be lower as you’re competing with a more saturated market of other businesses.

A strategic marketing plan could help boost your ranking in these cases…

We can help you get listed, everywhere

We offer premium, rich listings across over 45 powerful publishers, all of your online reviews, managed all in one place, with our Listing Manager.

Our Advice

The best way to perform on both platforms is to offer as much business information as possible to Google My Business.

As Google is constantly rearranging content, so, rather than worrying which you will appear on best, just feed Google with as many details as you can give. This gives users the opportunity to obtain as much information about you as possible.

Nevertheless, be sure your website is optimised for the keywords you want to rank for. You can also boost your ranking by earning publicity through third-party websites that Google references as your listings.

Why is my business not listed on Google maps?

Once you’ve created a Google My Business listing for your business it should appeal in the Google Maps section of search.

If this isn’t happening, it could be because:

Your Google My Business listing is not verified
You lack location authority on Google Maps
Your GMB listing is suspended
You’ve relocated your business

Google My Business listing not verified?

Google Business Profile Help will be able to help you resolve this!

Lack authority on Google Maps?

Location authority means the higher your listing will rank in Google local search results.

To improve your ranking you need to ensure all information about your business is correct, such as:

Business name (inc. spelling)
Business address
Contact information

Google My Business listing suspended?

There are several reasons why your Google My Business listing could be suspended, there are:

The information on your listing has changed and Google is still verifying it.

Google is questioning the location of your business (they may request a picture for proof).
You used a forwarding URL in your listing.
You used a virtual office location, i.e. a P.O.Box
You don’t have a physical business location.

Have you relocated your business?

It is essential you update your address on Google My Business. If Google picks up you’ve moved without updating your information, you could end up getting suspended.

Not sure how your business listing is performing?

Check your Business Listing presence today for FREE!

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