How is 'Local Business Results' listing order determined?

With Google's "Local Business Results" how is the order of the listings determined? For some time now, it has appeared that the order is determined by who is closest to the center of town, but I'm starting to see that change, and can't see what's determining who's #1, #2 etc. I've been thinking of setting up some office space in the center of town where I do most of my business in order to come up at the top of the list, so it would be very good to know if this is changing before I make such an investment.

I've created and managed several local campaigns recently and from what I can tell, getting top listings depends on 3 things. 1. Proximity to the business center (important, but not a deal breaker) 2. Ratings and reviews - very important. Google is very keen on user generated content and loves user ratings / reviews. 3. Use of keywords in the business name / title and throughout the listing.

Listings that are fully filled out seem to get better placement, but it may take some time to overcome older listings. I have been able to get into the top 5 within several weeks and top billing in several months for all my listings, so far.

Hi,

I am on the bottom of the 3rd page of Local Business Results.

I am one of the closest to the centre of town. I have more (positive) reviews than everyone except 1 and I don't know what you mean by 3. Use of keywords in the business name / title and throughout the listing. So what can I do to do better?

P.S. I am listed on Local business results for hotel near Looe, Cornwall

I looked at Google UK, but I am not sure which listing is yours. Give me the name the hotel and the city you want to get a top listing for.

Just note - You can add keywords to:
The actual name of the hotel - instead of Clairmont Hotel, try Clairmont Hotel Looe Cornwall | Hotels Boat District
You get 4 - 5 categories to choose. Do not use Googles suggestions. Use your best performing keywords and you can use more than one keyword in a category and use a geographic modifier if needed - Hotel (category given by google) - use hotels looe cornwall or looe cornwall hotels |plymouth hotel | palpero hotels
instead of bed and breakfast use bead and breakfast looe cornwall | b and b | b&b looe cornwall

Where you list the attributes - load those up with the same keywords. Also, make sure the keywords get populated into you reviews, especially the headlines.

Hello and thank you so much for your reply.

I do not do my web site myself so will forward your advice to those who do.

The hotel is >>> Fieldhead Hotel, Looe, Cornwall.

Soooo appreciate your help.

Julian

P.S. I even have a gmail email account which not one of those above me have!!

Thanks again.

Julian