How to Check Google Maps Rankings: The 3 Local Ranking Factors and a Real Example
Google Maps rankings depend on relevance, distance and prominence, and every searcher sees a slightly different order. How to check map rankings for a keyword, how to read ratings and review counts, and a real check for dentists in Brooklyn.
Google Maps rankings depend on relevance, distance and prominence, and every searcher sees a slightly different order. How to check map rankings for a keyword, how to read ratings and review counts, and a real check for dentists in Brooklyn.
For restaurants, clinics, law firms and contractors, Google Maps results often matter more than organic rankings: search "dentist brooklyn" and the map and business list come first. Before checking map rankings, understand one thing: there is no single fixed position.
1. How Google Ranks Local Results
Google says local results are mainly based on three factors:
| Factor | What it means | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance | How well a business profile matches the search | Pick the right primary category; complete services and description |
| Distance | How far the business is from the searcher or the place named in the query | You cannot move, but you can target several place-name keywords |
| Prominence | How well known the business is, including review count and rating, and mentions and links across the web | Earn real reviews and reply to them; get listed in local media and directories |
Because of distance, searching the same keyword from Manhattan and from Brooklyn returns a different order. Rank checkers query at a country or city level, which gives a representative snapshot for judging competition and trends, not the exact position on a given street corner.
2. How to Check
- Write the keyword the way customers search, including the city or neighbourhood, e.g. "dentist brooklyn" or "coffee shop austin".
- Pick the country and optionally enter your business name; the tool lists the top 20 map results and marks your position.
- Note the rating, review count and address: the three most direct signals for sizing up the gap.
3. Real Example: Dentists in Brooklyn
On 9 October 2026 we checked "dentist brooklyn" (United States) with the Google Maps rank checker:
| Position | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooklyn Heights Dental | 4.9 | 541 |
| 2 | Brooklyn City Dental | 4.8 | 772 |
| 3 | SmileSpace | 4.9 | 867 |
| 6 | The Brooklyn Dental Center | 4.3 | 150 |
| 12 | Tend Dental Park Slope | 4.1 | 576 |
- All of the top 5 rate 4.8 or higher, with 264 to 867 reviews: in this market 4.8 is the bar for the top spots.
- The business in 12th has more reviews (576) than the one in 1st but rates only 4.1: volume does not make up for a lower rating.
- Eleven of the top 20 have "Brooklyn" in their name, so name relevance plays a part too (but do not stuff keywords into your business name; it breaks Google Business Profile guidelines).
4. What to Do With the Results
- Compare your rating and review count with the three businesses just above you and set a realistic review target.
- Audit your profile: primary category, hours, services and photos. The business profile checker shows what competitors filled in.
- Check the same keywords at the same time each month and watch the trend rather than any single day.
Google Maps Rank Checker
See the top 20 Google Maps businesses for a local search with ratings, reviews and addresses, and where you rank. One free check a day.
Google Business Profile Checker
See any business’s public Google profile: category, rating, reviews, hours and contact details.