Join us in Dallas for LocalU
October 20, 2026 - Just $299
How to Rank for Near Me Searches on Google
If you’re in local SEO, you’ve undoubtedly heard of “near me” searches. These are the magical queries – like “plumber near me” or “dentist near me” – that connect searchers with businesses close to their location.
But did you know there’s a surprisingly simple, and pretty ridiculous tactic to help your business rank higher for these searches? It works. But don’t take my word for it – I’ll show you some examples.
What Are “Near Me” Searches?
When someone searches for something like “plumber near me,” Google automatically considers the user’s proximity to businesses. Many SEOs argue that you can’t influence these results because Google already uses location data to show the closest options.
I have clients say all the time, “But Joy, Google is smart enough to know what you mean – you don’t have to tell them.”
The smartest SEOs know how not-smart Google really is.
While proximity is baked into Google’s algorithm, there are ways to rank your business higher in the rankings for these searches.
The Trick for Ranking Better for “Near Me” Searches
Yes, it’s as simple as adding phrases like “near me” or “near you” to your website’s titles, headers, and URLs.
You’re welcome.
If you’re still skeptical, you’re not alone – almost everyone I talk to about this is. So here is an example.
The BBB probably does the best job at this tactic, as they literally have “near me” everywhere (example).
They rank very well as a result.
Does “Near You” Work as Well as “Near Me”?
Yep. Using “near you” is often better because it reads more naturally to users. When you include “near you” in your content, we have found Google treats it as interchangeable with “near me.”
Case Study: How This Works for Small Businesses
Here’s an example of a dentist we worked with. Their site wasn’t ranking much for “near me” searches, and we added instances of “near you” to their titles, headers, and URLs.
Still not convinced? Here is another one showing a before/after picture of how a lawyer ranks for “near me” for their primary keyword pattern.
Is This Spammy?
It might sound spammy because you’re optimizing for Google rather than users. But we haven’t seen any indication that it harms user experience.
When we implement this for clients, the only result we see is better ranking, thus more traffic, and more conversions.
When “Near Me” Optimization Doesn’t Work
It’s important to note that we have only seen this tactic impact organic search rankings, not the Google Maps or local pack rankings.
Should You Use This Tactic?
Yes. While it seems easy, and stupid, it works.
Join us in Dallas for LocalU
In the case of a local service biz, would you create a standalone “near you” page?
Or would you just add “near you” to important parts of existing money pages?
Thanks for the great content!!
I would just add it to existing money pages and local pages.
In the case of a local service biz, would you create a standalone “near you” page?
Or would you just add “near you” to important parts of existing money pages?
Thanks for the great content!!
I would just add it to existing money pages and local pages.
I also have the same question. Shall we create a dedicated page on the website to target Near Me or Near You search terms or just add these terms on a specific page? If yes, which page? I am guessing pages like /HVAC-near-me, /plumber-near-me, and/dentist-near-me would work better but I need confirmation from Joy.
I would add it to existing pages, I do not think there is a need to create a page dedicated to “near you/me”. If you have an existing plumber service page, or a location specific plumber page like “plumber tampa”, just optimize for “near you” on those pages.
I also have the same question. Shall we create a dedicated page on the website to target Near Me or Near You search terms or just add these terms on a specific page? If yes, which page? I am guessing pages like /HVAC-near-me, /plumber-near-me, and/dentist-near-me would work better but I need confirmation from Joy.
I would add it to existing pages, I do not think there is a need to create a page dedicated to “near you/me”. If you have an existing plumber service page, or a location specific plumber page like “plumber tampa”, just optimize for “near you” on those pages.
Great info, thanks! Have you guys tested “near by” as well? I’ve often used that one.
Yes! “near by” and other variations of “near” work well too.
Great info, thanks! Have you guys tested “near by” as well? I’ve often used that one.
Yes! “near by” and other variations of “near” work well too.
Joy, you’re three months early for your 4/1/25 post.
No jokes here, this is the real deal!
Joy, you’re three months early for your 4/1/25 post.
No jokes here, this is the real deal!
Totally agree!
Totally agree!