How to appear for a "vague" or a "city only" search.

[camarchi01]

Hi All,

I am wondering how Google decides what businesses to show when you search a less keyword specific search like "Los Angeles, CA" in Google Maps. Is there any way to influence this? I certainly understand that more businesses can appear as you zoom in and around but I am wondering how the first ones are selected. It seems to me to be a bit random.

One example: For Los Angeles, how does Google decide to show 3 restaurants in this view? Screenshot

Another example: For Rigby, Idaho how does Google decide to show one 9 hole 3 par golf course and forget to show the more popular 18 hole course? Screenshot

 

[Rand_dd]

Google's algo is complex, but it's about relevance, prominence, distance, and category. Optimize your Google My Business profile and online presence to increase visibility!