Did you know that 46% of Google searches are focused locally? Impressively, 76% of people who look for something nearby go to a business within a day. These figures demonstrate the enormous potential that local SEO presents for any company hoping to draw in local clients by 2025. Nevertheless, a lot of companies are not visible on Google Maps, which costs them potential customers who know how to maximize their local visibility.

Local SEO means tailoring your online presence, so your business appears in search results when customers look for products or services near them. Google Maps has become the most popular local discovery tool, radically altering the way local consumers locate businesses.

This blog explores two important ideas that are essential to becoming an expert in local SEO: Google Map Points (your business location markers on Google Maps) and grid (how Google evaluates geographic closeness). You'll discover what these are, their significance, and how to best position your company to rule your local market.

What Are Google Map Points?

Google Map Points are the digital markers—sometimes called map pins—that represent businesses on Google Maps. When users search on Google or in the Google Maps app, these points show physical business locations available in their area.

Map points differ from traditional organic search listings. Organic results link mainly to websites, while map points provide immediate local context: a business’s location, contact info, hours, photos, and reviews, all directly accessible on the map.

There are two main types of map points:

• Google Business Profiles (GBPs) are used by business owners to claim verified business listings, which are indicated by a blue badge.

• Unverified listings, shown with Gray markers, may be automatically created from third-party data but lack owner control.

Some businesses operate from physical storefronts, while service-area businesses may serve customers at their locations instead of having a physical address. Both can show as map points but are ranked differently based on proximity and service area settings.