How does Google Search work for local queries in 2024?

Google is the largest search engine in the world, playing a key role in online information search. Understanding how Google works is important for effective business promotion in the digital space. This includes innovative technologies such as GMB/GBP profile promotion and optimisation, which helps to accurately reach the target audience.

Google's search results consist of several blocks, each of which has its own specifics and importance for business:

1. Advertising (PPC). They are placed at the top and bottom of the results page. Their placement is determined through the Google Adwords auction, where the bid and relevance of the ad are important.
   
2. Search via Google Maps. This block integrates Google Maps, Google Places, and Google Street View. To be displayed in this block, you just need to register with Google My Business.
   
3. Organic search (SEO). It is important to regularly update content that meets the interests of potential customers.
   
4. Local companies (Google Business). After a few scrolls, you can see another block of local businesses displayed in the search results, thanks to Google Maps.
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This means that more than 50% of local businesses are ranked in the SERPs for local queries via Google Maps.

The importance of Google Maps in modern SEO

Over time, Google Maps (since 2022 and with an update in 2024) has become more important for promoting online business than traditional SEO. They provide users with a user-friendly interface for finding products and services nearby, including company information, reviews, ratings, and photos. Having a presence on Google Maps has become an important part of the marketing strategy of any business that wants to succeed in local search.

How Google Search works in video format:

By leveraging Google's ability to create innovative advertising technologies, such as Google Business Profile (old name: Google My Business), companies can reach their target audience more effectively.