I have had this Google places for a month now...http://nutrishoptampa.com and for some reason even though my SEO is better than the competition I cant rank on places well for following terms. Tampa Nutrition Store Tampa Vitamin Shop Tampa Vitamin Store Tampa Sports Nutrition Tampa Nutritionist Tampa Supplement Store etc etc I only rank for the following Tampa Nutrishop and Tampa Nutrition Shop
The probable reason being the Keywords you have chosen have high competition and thus your site is not well ranked for those terms.
The trick is to simply type in your local keywords in the category so that you can better control the terms you rank under. Once you enter the keywords, you’ll be asked to complete a few more sections. Just give Google some time to update. However, Google doesn't show maps from every search.
Aside from this, chosen keywords might not compatible with your content. Or because, Google doesn't see any reason on your site to be ranked in those keywords as well.
Plus I have a blog that makes sure the keywords are relevant. Its been a month perhaps it will take more time.
Local is also largely based on the amount of local directories you are listed on. There are 20-30 that are a must to submit to and probably another 20 that are just ok. Have you submitted to localeze and infousa? They are pretty big data providers.
I have done the most basic 20-30 map sites and i have matched the links they have plus my own.... maybe its a strong content issue and google is punishing my site. But the problem is how does your site not basically duplicate other franchise websites that are listed product ingredients.
Using a certain keyword in the content is not an assurance for ranking highly. There are some keywords that are competitive while others are not. Also the keyword density in your content matter, if you have a low keyword density in your article then probably that is one the reasons why your content may not be found among the first pages of Google result pages.