You know your work is as good as theirs. Maybe better. So why do they show up on Google and you don't? Here are the real reasons.
They Have More Reviews
Check your competitor's Google reviews vs. yours. If they have 150 and you have 15, that's your answer. Start asking every customer for a review.
Their Profile is Complete
Look at their photos, services, posts, hours. If they're more complete than you, Google rewards them. Fill out every field.
They Have a Better Website
Compare sites. Do they have pages for each service? Do they mention your city? Is their site faster and mobile-friendly? Improve yours.
They've Been Around Longer
Google trusts older businesses. You can build authority faster with more reviews, content, and citations.
They Have More Citations
Check if they're listed places you're not. Get on all major directories with consistent information.
The Good News
None of this is magic. It's just work they did that you haven't done yet. The playing field is level.