When someone searches “restaurant near me” in Málaga, only three businesses show up in Google Maps’ featured box. Those three get more than 50% of the clicks. Everyone else competes for the leftovers.

Showing up there isn’t luck. It’s a combination of signals Google uses to decide who deserves the shop window. And the good news is that most of them are things you can do yourself.

The 3 signals Google prioritises for local businesses

1. Relevance

Google needs to understand what you offer. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) listing should accurately describe your type of cuisine, services and features. “Restaurant” isn’t enough: “Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace and vegan options” is far better.

2. Distance

Google shows businesses that are near the person searching. You can’t change your location, but you can optimise your listing for your neighbourhood: mention nearby landmarks, include your exact address, and make sure your pin on the map is correctly placed.

3. Prominence

Prominence is your online reputation. Google measures it through:

Number and quality of reviews. Businesses with 50+ reviews are 3 times more likely to appear in the top 3.
How often other websites mention you (directories, blogs, food guides).
Your own website: Google values having a website that’s consistent with the information on your listing.

What to do this week

Claim and verify your Google Business Profile if you haven’t already.
Complete every field 100%: opening hours, menu, photos, category, attributes (terrace, bookings, vegan, etc.).
Upload 10 real photos of the venue, the food and the team. Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions.
Ask your best customers for reviews. A QR code on the bill works better than asking verbally.
Reply to every review, good and bad. Google notices.

The role of your website

Your website doesn’t replace Google Maps, but it reinforces it. Google cross-checks the information and rewards consistency:

Same address, phone number and opening hours on your website and on your listing.
LocalBusiness schema markup: code that tells Google exactly what kind of business you are. A well-built website includes it by default.
A blog with local content: articles about your neighbourhood, your cuisine or local events help you rank for related searches.

Local SEO isn’t solved in a day, but it is a matter of weeks — not years — to see results. If you follow these steps consistently, you’ll be ahead of 80% of restaurants in your area, who haven’t even completed their listing.