Most businesses don’t realize they’re being overlooked.
Here’s a simple 5-minute test you can run right now to find out.
[Important note] 87% of consumers use Google search to evaluate local businesses. When someone is ready to buy, they search, scan a few options, and choose.
If your business isn’t visible in that moment, you’re not part of the buying decision, no matter how good you are.
The 5-Minute Test
Go to Google and search:
“[your service] near me”
“[your business type] in [your area]”
“[your business type] near [landmark]”
You can think of endless phrases customers might use to find local options.
The important thing to understand is that customers don’t always need to type “near me” or include a location.
Google is advanced enough to understand where the person is and automatically show nearby results based on their search.
So someone might just search:
“best [product/service]”
“[product category]”
“where to buy [product]”
…and Google will still prioritize businesses close to them.
How to Tell If You’re Being Overlooked
Google Maps Results
Focus on the top 3 Google Maps results. These show up at the top of search results for roughly 93% of local searches.
Around 44% of local searchers select an option for the top 3 of the local map list.
If you’re business isn’t showing up in these positions, that’s a sign your being overlooked when customers are looking for local options.
Organic Search Results
Next look at the top 3 organic results. These are below the maps listings, highlighted in blue.
Around 30% of local searchers select these top 3 listings.
The top 3 organic listings get nearly 69% of visitors. Of the top 3 positions, the top spot has an average click-through-rate (CTR) of nearly 40% while positions 2 and 3 have a 18% and 10% CTR respectively.
CTR is based on how many times a page appears in search results vs how many times a searcher selects that result.
The higher you are in organic search results, the more likely you are to attract a searcher to your website who’s interested in what you have to sell.
Compare Yourself to Competitors
Even if you do see your website in these results, ask yourself, “If I were a customer right now, would I choose my business?”
Compare business to local competitors:
Are you showing up consistently?
Do you appear in the top results when you search like a customer? If competitors show up more often, they’re getting the first look.
How do your reviews compare?
Look at total review count and average rating. More reviews with a solid rating builds immediate trust and increases the chances of being chosen.
How recent are your reviews?
A steady flow of recent reviews signals an active, trusted business. If your last review was months ago and competitors have fresh ones, Google is more likely to recommend them.
Are you responding to reviews?
Businesses that reply stand out. It shows engagement and builds credibility with new customers reading them.
Do you have fresh, high-quality photos?
Strong visuals help customers quickly understand what to expect. Outdated or low-quality photos can hurt perception.
Do your titles and listings encourage clicks?
Look at how your business appears in search. Does it clearly communicate what you offer and where you are? Would you click on it over others?
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This quick check can tell you a lot about where you stand and where the opportunity is to increase revenue.