Google Maps SEO: 8 Steps to Get More Local Visibility
Your website gets visitors, but your store stays quiet.
That’s because people searching nearby aren’t finding you—especially on Google Maps. Even if you have a great product or service, if you’re not showing up in local results, you’re missing out on ready-to-buy customers.
That’s where Google Maps SEO comes in. With a few simple steps, you can improve your visibility, attract more walk-ins, and make sure your business pops up exactly when locals need you.
In this article, we’ll walk through 8 easy ways to get noticed and ranked on Google Maps.
What is Google Maps SEO?
Google Maps SEO is search engine optimization of your company—your Google Business Profile specifically—to place you higher on local search results on Google Maps. It gets your company to appear when individuals in your area are looking for the product or service that you provide.
Key Benefits of Ranking in the Google Maps Pack
Ranking in the Google Maps Pack (the top 3 local listings that show up in Google search results) can make a big difference for your business. When someone searches for services “near me,” your listing shows up front and center—before any organic results.
Here’s what that means for you:
- More Local Visibility: Showing up in the Maps Pack puts your business in front of people who are actively looking for local services. It’s one of the most effective forms of local maps optimization.
- Higher Trust and Credibility: Listings in the top spots often have reviews, photos, and complete info. That makes your business look more trustworthy—especially to new customers.
- Increased Website and Foot Traffic: People can visit your website, call you, or get directions right from your Google Maps listing. That means more phone calls, walk-ins, and sales without paying for ads.
- Stronger Local SEO Performance: Good rankings on Google Maps search engine optimization also improve your overall local maps SEO. It signals to Google that your business is active, relevant, and worth recommending.
- Better Conversion Rates: Searchers using Google Places SEO or looking through local map optimization options are often ready to take action. That makes them more likely to become paying customers.
- Mobile-Friendly Reach: Most people search on their phones. A strong presence in SEO for Google Maps ensures your business appears on mobile screens when it matters most—while someone is nearby and ready to visit.
How Google Determines Local Rankings
Now that you understand the value of showing up in the Google Maps Pack, let’s break down how Google decides which businesses appear at the top—and what you can do to influence that.
Google focuses on three core factors when ranking local businesses:
1. Relevance
Relevance refers to how closely your business matches what someone is searching for. It’s about how well your business details—like services, products, and business categories—line up with the user’s intent.
Ways to boost relevance:
- Fill out every section of your Google Business Profile—business name, services, hours, categories, website link, and amenities like free Wi-Fi.
- Choose the most accurate and specific business category (e.g., “Orthodontist” instead of just “Dentist”)
- Include keywords naturally in your description that match what your audience searches for
- Create service pages on your website for each of your core offerings to support your Google Maps SEO
2. Distance
Distance is how close your business is to the person conducting the search. Google uses the location of the searcher and compares it to your listed business address.
Tips to improve your local proximity signals:
- Use your actual physical address—don’t use a PO Box or virtual office
- Clearly list your city or neighborhood on your website and in your content
- Add location keywords like “plumber in Boston” or “pizza delivery near Times Square” throughout your site to support local maps SEO
- Set your service area correctly in your Google Maps listing if you serve multiple locations
3. Prominence
Prominence is all about how well-known and trusted your business is online. This is influenced by reviews, citations, backlinks, mentions, and overall online presence.
Ways to increase your visibility and trust:
- Get consistent, positive reviews from customers and respond to each one
- Be active on your Google Business Profile—post updates, add photos, and keep your info fresh
- Build local backlinks and citations from news articles, business directories, and blogs
- Submit your business to trustworthy local directories to support local map optimization
- Ensure your business is mentioned across the web with consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
Improving your relevance, distance signals, and prominence helps you rank better not just in Google Maps but in local searches overall. These are the key pillars of strong SEO for Google Maps visibility.
How to Optimize for Google Maps SEO (Step-by-Step)
Want your business to rank higher in local map results? Follow these practical steps to improve your Google Maps SEO and start getting found by more local customers.
1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) forms the basis of your Google Maps listing. If you haven’t already, claim and verify it – you’re missing a massive opportunity.
Why it matters: An unclaimed profile may have incorrect or missing info, and you won’t be able to control how your business appears in local searches or maps.
What to do:
- Visit google.com/business
- Sign in with your Google account
- Search for your business and claim it (or add it if it’s not listed)
- Complete the verification process (usually via postcard, phone, or email)
💡 Pro Tip: Verified profiles are more trusted by Google and more likely to rank in the local map pack. This is a core part of your local maps optimization strategy.
2. Add Accurate NAP Details (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Once your profile is claimed and verified, the next step is making sure all your business info is 100% accurate.
Why it matters: Google uses your NAP info to determine if your business is real, trustworthy, and consistent across the web. Even small differences (like “St.” vs “Street”) can confuse search engines and hurt your Google Maps SEO.
What to do:
- Use the exact same business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on your website, Google Business Profile, and other online listings.
- Make sure the location is a real, physical address (not a PO Box or virtual office).
- Double-check spelling, punctuation, and formatting across all platforms.
💡 Pro Tip: This consistency helps with local map optimization and improves trust with both Google and your customers.
Keeping your NAP details updated is one of the easiest ways to boost your local maps SEO without spending a dime.
3. Choose the Right Business Category
Picking the correct business category in your Google Business Profile is more important than many realize. It helps Google understand exactly what your business does and determines when your listing shows up in local search results.
If you’re a bakery, for instance, choosing “Bakery” over a general choice like “Store” informs Google—and potential customers—what you actually do. You can also include secondary categories if you provide related services, like “Café” or “Wedding Bakery.”
Ensure that your category is specific and niche to your primary service. This has a direct effect on your Google Maps search engine ranking and also helps you have higher chances of being seen in local searches in your field of expertise. Avoid choosing categories just because they sound broad or popular; relevance always wins in local maps optimization.
4. Add High-Quality Photos
Photos don’t just make your listing appear attractive—they establish trust. Customers searching on Google Maps are likely to click on a business that appears busy and professional. Including good, clear photos of your storefront, products, interior, and employees can do wonders.
Google also tends to favor profiles that regularly update their visuals. Listings with more photos often get more clicks and engagement, which can help your Google Maps SEO performance.
Make sure your photos are:
- Well-lit and clear (no blurry shots)
- Accurate to your business (show real people, spaces, and products)
- Updated regularly to keep things fresh
By keeping your visuals sharp and genuine, you show potential customers—and Google—that your business is active, reliable, and ready to serve. This simple step strengthens both trust and local maps SEO efforts.
5. Write a Compelling Business Description
Your business description is your opportunity to inform people (and Google) what your business offers. A great description will make you appear more and assist customers in determining whether you’re the right business for the things they desire.
This part appears on your Google Business Profile, so it plays a role in both Google Maps SEO and user trust.
How to Write a Strong Business Description:
- Start with what you do: In the first sentence, clearly explain your service or product.
- Include your location: Mention the city or neighborhood you serve to improve local map optimization.
- Use relevant keywords naturally: Add terms people would search for, like “affordable dentist in Miami” or “family-owned Italian restaurant.”
- Highlight what makes you unique: Mention years of experience, certifications, or any specialties.
- Keep it short and simple: Aim for 2–3 short paragraphs—clear, not salesy.
📝 Example:
“At GreenLeaf Dental, we provide gentle, family-friendly dental care in downtown Chicago. From cleanings to cosmetic treatments, we offer affordable services in a modern and welcoming space. With over 10 years of experience, our team is here to help you smile with confidence.”
A thoughtful, keyword-smart description helps boost your Google Maps search engine optimization while giving visitors the info they need to take the next step.
6. Get and Respond to Reviews
Customer reviews play a huge role in Google Maps SEO. Not only do they influence how people view your business—they also impact how Google ranks you in local search results.
The more positive, relevant reviews you have, the more trustworthy and prominent your listing appears in the Google Maps Pack.
How to Get More Reviews:
- Ask your happy customers: Right after a great service or purchase, politely ask for a review. Most people are willing—they just need a reminder.
- Make it easy: Share a direct review link via text, email, or social media.
- Use signs or thank-you cards: If you run a physical store, leave reminders near your checkout area or on receipts.
Why Responding Matters:
Replying to reviews—both good and bad—shows Google and potential customers that you’re active, professional, and care about feedback. It builds trust and keeps your local maps optimization strong.
- Say thank you for positive reviews and highlight what they mentioned.
- Address concerns in negative reviews calmly and offer to help.
- Use keywords naturally in responses (e.g., “Thank you for visiting our SEO agency in Austin…”).
💡 Tip: Consistency is key. Make reviews part of your routine and always respond within a few days.
Building and managing reviews is one of the simplest (and most powerful) ways to improve your Google Maps SEO listing.
7. Post Regularly on Your Profile
Posting daily to your Google Business Profile keeps your listing fresh and current. It’s a sign that your business is active and responsive—something your customers and Google adore. The posts show up directly in your listing and can drive clicks, visits, or calls.
Google favors listings that are frequently updated. So posting often can give you an edge in local rankings.
What to Post: Below are the types of updates you can share:
- Promote new arrivals: Share new products, services, or menu items.
- Announce events: Highlight upcoming webinars, open houses, or local events.
- Offer discounts or deals: Let people know about limited-time promotions.
- Share behind-the-scenes content: Show your team, workspace, or how things are made.
- Post holiday or seasonal updates: Update business hours or wish your customers on special occasions.
- Provide helpful tips: Give quick advice related to your industry to add value.
- Highlight customer reviews or testimonials: Build trust by showing real feedback.
💡 Pro Tip: Aim to post at least once a week. Use high-quality images, include keywords naturally, and always add a clear call-to-action like “Learn more,” “Call now,” or “Book an appointment.”
Regular posting is a small task—but it signals big value to Google and your potential customers.
8. Use Local Schema Markup on Your Site
Local schema markup helps search engines better understand your business location, services, and contact details. It’s structured data you add to your website’s code, and it plays a big role in local maps optimization and Google Maps SEO.
When done correctly, it improves how your business appears in search—like showing rich snippets with your current location, hours, and even ratings.
How to Add It:
- Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to create the markup.
- Add details like your business name, address, phone number (NAP), hours, and geo-coordinates.
- Use the LocalBusiness schema type.
- Implement the code on your website (usually in the <head> section).
- Test it using Google’s Rich Results Test.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your schema details consistent with your Google Business Profile. Any mismatch can confuse search engines and lower your local map SEO performance.
Follow these 8 simple steps to improve your Google Maps SEO and increase your chances of showing up in the local map pack.
Conclusion
Ranking on Google Maps isn’t just about being found—it’s about being chosen. When people search locally, they want fast answers and trustworthy businesses. A fully optimized Google Business Profile helps you make a strong first impression, build trust, and drive real results—calls, visits, and sales.
By keeping your listing accurate, engaging, and active, you signal to Google and your customers that your business is worth showing up for.
📍Stay visible. Stay local. And let your map listing do the talking.
FAQs on Google Maps SEO
Does Google Maps SEO Help If I Don’t Have A Physical Storefront?
Yes, if you operate in a service area (like a plumber or mobile repair business), you can still set a service area in your Google Business Profile. While you won’t appear with a pin on the map, you can still rank in local results within your defined region.
Can Multiple Locations For The Same Business Each Have A Google Business Profile?
Yes. If your business has multiple branches, each with its own physical location and staff, you can (and should) create a separate Google Business Profile for each one. Make sure each profile has its unique phone number and address.
Can Posting On My Google Business Profile Help Me Outrank Competitors?
While it’s not the only ranking factor, regular updates signal that your business is active. Over time, this can improve engagement and increase your prominence score—which is part of Google’s local ranking formula.
Does The Number Of “Saves” Or “Directions” On My Listing Affect Rankings?
Indirectly, yes. Google uses engagement signals like saves, clicks, direction requests, and calls to evaluate user interest. High interaction may influence your visibility in the local map pack.
Should I Include Keywords In My Business Name For Better Rankings?
Only if it’s part of your legal business name. Adding extra keywords (like “Joe’s Bakery – Best Cakes in Dallas”) violates Google’s guidelines and could get your listing suspended. Keep it clean and compliant.
How Often Should I Update My Google Business Profile?
Aim for weekly updates. Whether it’s adding new photos, posting updates, or replying to reviews, regular activity shows Google that your business is engaged and trustworthy.
Ekta Chauhan
