How North Bay Small Businesses Can Improve Google Business Profile Rankings

As a small business owner in North Bay, Ontario, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful tools for attracting local customers. I’ve been digging into the latest research on local SEO, and here’s what matters most for ranking well in Google’s local results:

1. Location still matters most

Google relies heavily on proximity when deciding which businesses to show in search results. You can’t move your shop, but you can maximize other ranking factors.

2. Reviews are your biggest growth lever

The more reviews you have, the better your chances of appearing in the top 10 local results. Make asking every happy customer for a review part of your daily routine.

3. Get keywords into your reviews

Google doesn’t just look at star ratings—it also reads the words in your reviews. When customers naturally mention services (“best plumber in North Bay” or “amazing gluten-free pizza”), your business is more likely to appear for those searches.

4. Tailor your approach to your industry

Some sectors rely more on reviews than others. For example:

• Restaurants & food → Reviews and relevance really matter in crowded markets.

• Beauty & wellness → Reputation and review quality carry more weight.

• Law & legal services → Location plays a bigger role.

• Healthcare → A balanced mix of proximity and reviews.

5. Optimize what you can control

Since you can’t change your physical location, focus on:

• Collecting more reviews

• Updating your GBP description

• Adding high-quality photos

• Keeping services, hours, and posts current

Key Takeaway for North Bay Businesses

Proximity gets your business visibility, but reviews push you into the top spots. Make asking for reviews part of your regular process, and encourage customers to use keywords that describe what you do best. Need a hand with your google business profile?

Schedule a 15 min complimentary call with me today!

Source: Search Engine Journal – Review Signals Gain Influence In Top Google Local Rankings