If you run a local business, one of the best ways to attract nearby customers is to rank higher in Google Maps. When people search phrases like “plumber near me” or “best cafe in [your city],” Google Maps listings often appear at the top of the search results—above websites and ads. That prime visibility can be a game-changer for your business.
So, how do you land one of those top 3 coveted spots in Google’s “Local Pack”? The answer lies in smart, focused local SEO techniques. In this post, you’ll learn the exact steps to rank higher in your city on Google Maps and bring more local customers through your doors.
Why Google Maps Rankings Matter
Google Maps is more than just a navigation tool—it’s a local business directory that millions of people use to find services, restaurants, stores, and more. According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase.
Higher rankings mean:
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More calls and website visits.
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More foot traffic to your physical location.
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More reviews, engagement, and trust from the community.
With so much potential, it’s crucial that your business doesn’t just appear on the map—but stands out on it.
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP)—formerly known as Google My Business—is the foundation of your presence on Google Maps. If you haven’t claimed and verified your listing yet, do that immediately.
Key optimization tips:
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Use your exact business name (no keyword stuffing).
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Ensure your address, phone number, and hours are accurate.
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Write a compelling business description with keywords relevant to your services.
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Add multiple high-quality photos of your location, staff, products, or services.
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Select the most relevant business category and add additional ones if applicable.
Your profile is often the first impression potential customers get—make it count.
2. Get More Google Reviews (And Respond to Them)
Reviews are a critical trust signal for both users and Google’s algorithm. Businesses with more positive, recent, and high-quality reviews tend to rank higher.
How to get more reviews:
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Ask satisfied customers to leave a review right after service.
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Send follow-up emails or text reminders with a direct link to your GBP.
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Include “Review Us” buttons on your website or email signature.
Don’t forget to respond to every review, good or bad. It shows Google that you’re engaged with your customers, and it builds credibility with future clients.
3. Use Local Keywords Strategically
Google Maps results are geographically targeted. If you want to rank higher in your city, your content and listings should reflect that.
Where to use local keywords:
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In your business description on GBP.
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In product or service listings on your profile.
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In your website content, especially landing pages.
Examples of local keywords include:
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“Best sushi restaurant in Miami”
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“Emergency plumber in Dallas”
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“Affordable pet groomer near Chicago downtown”
You can use free tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find local search terms people are actually using.
4. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Images not only make your listing more attractive but also influence user behavior. Listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.
Tips:
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Upload real photos: storefront, inside the business, staff at work, and happy customers.
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Add photos regularly to stay active and show recency.
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Use short videos to showcase services or introduce your team.
Make sure the file names and alt-text (if used on your website) include local keywords like your city name.
5. Build Local Citations and Backlinks
Citations are mentions of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites. These help Google verify your legitimacy and consistency, which can boost your Maps rankings.
Where to list your business:
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Yelp
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Bing Places
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Apple Maps
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Yellow Pages
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Local chamber of commerce or industry directories
Backlinks (links from other sites to yours) are also important. Reach out to local bloggers, news sites, and partners for opportunities to get featured. A strong local link profile improves overall domain authority and local trust.
6. Embed a Google Map on Your Website
Adding a Google Map of your location to your website (usually on the Contact or Homepage) signals to Google that the physical location of your business matches what’s listed in your GBP.
Steps:
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Search your business on Google Maps.
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Click the “Share” button and select “Embed a map.”
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Copy and paste the HTML code into your site.
Also, make sure your business address and phone number are visible on every page—preferably in the footer—and that they match your GBP exactly.
7. Use Structured Data (LocalBusiness Schema)
Structured data is code that helps search engines understand your business better. Adding LocalBusiness schema markup to your website provides Google with clear information about your name, address, phone number, hours, and more.
Benefits:
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Improves the accuracy of your local listing.
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Increases the chance of getting rich snippets in search.
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Reinforces your location data for better map rankings.
Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper or plugins like Schema Pro if you use WordPress.
8. Stay Active on Your Google Business Profile
Many business owners claim their Google profile and then forget about it. But Google likes to see signs of life.
Stay active by:
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Posting weekly updates (offers, news, events, tips).
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Answering questions in the Q&A section.
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Uploading new photos or videos regularly.
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Updating holiday hours or temporary closures.
A profile that’s actively managed shows Google that the business is engaged and trustworthy, which can impact your rankings.
Final Thoughts
Ranking higher in your city on Google Maps isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about proving to Google (and your customers) that you’re the most relevant, trustworthy, and valuable business for local searches. By optimizing your profile, earning positive reviews, building citations, and staying active, you’ll be well on your way to the top of the map.
Remember: local SEO is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing effort. But the rewards? Increased visibility, more calls, foot traffic, and ultimately, more revenue.
Also, you can learn more about Local Authority here.