How do local customers find businesses on Google?

Local customers usually find businesses through Google Search and Google Maps, often using “near me” or location-based searches like “plumber in Macclesfield.” Google shows a local “map pack” of nearby businesses based on relevance, distance, and prominence, plus regular search results below. Your Google Business Profile powers the map listings, while your website helps you rank in the results and earns the click. Reviews, accurate contact details, and local SEO all influence how high you appear.