Proximity
Proximity is how close a business is to the searcher when a location-based query is made. It is one of the core factors Google weighs for local rankings, alongside relevance and prominence, and it means the same business can rank differently for two people searching from different spots.
Why It Matters
Because rankings shift with the searcher's location, a business cannot rank everywhere from a single point. Understanding proximity sets realistic expectations and shapes where to invest in content and coverage.
Common Mistake
Reading a top ranking checked from the office as proof of dominance. That result reflects your own location; customers across town may never see you, so proximity must be tested from multiple points.