'Near me' queries are processed by Google as local-intent queries with the searcher's geolocation as the implicit modifier. They are dominated by the Map Pack (the 3-pack of local results above the organic listings), which is ranked by Google Business Profile signals more than by classical organic SEO signals. The tactics that move 'near me' rankings: (1) Verified, complete Google Business Profile with the correct primary category and accurate service-area definition; (2) Active review acquisition — businesses with 50+ recent (last 12 months) Google reviews consistently outrank businesses with 5–10 stale reviews on identical proximity; (3) Citation consistency across the major Canadian platforms (Apple Maps, Bing Places, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Canada411) — NAP variations actively hurt; (4) On-site signals: a service-area or location landing page that names the geographies you serve, with embedded maps and proper LocalBusiness schema; (5) Review response — reply to every review, positive and negative, professionally and promptly. Most Canadian SMBs can move from 4–5th in the Map Pack to top-3 within 6 months by focusing on these tactics.