Big brands have budgets, teams, and name recognition. But in local search, that doesn’t automatically mean they win.

In 2026, Google’s local results still come down to a simple idea: show the best nearby option for the searcher. Google even explains local rankings are largely shaped by relevance, distance, and prominence.

That’s good news for small businesses — because “prominence” isn’t just about being famous nationwide. It can also mean being trusted, visible, and consistently talked about in your community.

Here’s how to compete (and often beat) bigger players with a focused Local SEO strategy that’s practical, sustainable, and easy to maintain.