How to Rank Higher on Google Maps: A Local SEO Playbook
If you’re trying to show up in the Google Maps 3-Pack but keep getting buried by competitors, you’re not alone. For local businesses, Google Maps visibility is a make-or-break factor—especially when mobile users search with high purchase intent.
At Alex Furfaro SEO Consulting, we help local businesses outrank the competition by focusing on what really matters. Whether you’re a service-based business or brick-and-mortar location, here’s exactly how to improve your Google Maps ranking in 2025 and beyond.
Why Google Maps Ranking Is a Big Deal
Being visible in the top 3 results of Google Maps—known as the “Map Pack”—can drive significant traffic, phone calls, and foot traffic.
Here’s why showing up matters:
- Over 75% of users never scroll past the top 3 map results
- Mobile searchers often convert faster—especially for “near me” searches
- Ranking in Maps builds trust and credibility with local customers
Getting there isn’t about tricks—it’s about strategy.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the foundation of your Maps presence. Google pulls most of its local search information from this listing.
Claim and Complete Every Section
Make sure your listing is verified and every field is filled out:
- Business name (exact match of your real-world name)
- Primary and secondary categories
- Business description with relevant keywords
- Hours of operation, service areas, and attributes
- Website and contact information
Use Local Keywords Naturally
You don’t need to stuff your description with keywords, but make sure in your first sentence you use one of your top keywords like “Columbus roofing contractor” or “plumber in Dublin Ohio.” These help signal relevance and it’s likely the same business description will be used many places online so that first sentence is absolutely critical to get right.
We rewrite business descriptions purposely to meet exact character lengths so the right keywords appear on the right websites, Google Business Profile, Facebook, and more.
Add High-Quality Photos Regularly
Google favors active profiles. Upload updated photos of your storefront, team, services, and even behind-the-scenes work. Taking pictures with your phone and GPS on (which geotags them) can provide an extra edge.
2. Get Consistent NAP Listings Across the Web
NAPW = Name, Address, Phone Number, Website
Your business info should be consistent across:
- Directories (Yelp, YellowPages, Angi, etc.)
- Social media profiles
- Your website footer and contact page
- Local business citations
Inconsistent or outdated listings confuse Google and hurt your trustworthiness. Use a tool like BrightLocal or Whitespark to audit and fix NAP inconsistencies.
If you have multiple locations, you MUST have separate pages for each location or your Google will have a much harder time distinguishing them apart.
3. Build Local Citations That Reinforce Trust
Citations are mentions of your business (with or without a link) on third-party sites. These serve as credibility markers for Google.
Focus on:
- Industry-specific directories (e.g., Houzz for contractors, Avvo for lawyers)
- Local business directories and chambers of commerce
- Hyperlocal media outlets or blogs
Avoid spammy directory submissions. Quality > quantity.
4. Generate More (and Better) Reviews
Reviews are one of the top five ranking factors for Google Maps. But not just the number—the quality, frequency, and even the keywords within them matter.
Pro Tips:
- Ask happy customers right after service—timing matters
- Use a direct link to your review page to make it easy
- Respond to every review (positive or negative) with a personal touch
- Avoid fake or incentivized reviews—Google cracks down on them
Want to go a step further? Ask reviewers to mention specific services or location keywords organically.
5. Localize Your Website Content
Your website backs up your Google Maps presence. Google cross-references what’s on your site with what’s in your GBP listing.
Key tips:
- Embed your Google Map on your contact page
- Include your business name, address, and phone number in the footer
- Create dedicated location pages if you serve multiple cities
- Use schema markup (LocalBusiness schema) to reinforce location info
Your website’s authority also plays a role in how high you rank on Maps, so ongoing SEO matters here too.
6. Focus on Proximity, Prominence, and Relevance
Google’s local algorithm is driven by three key factors:
Proximity – How close the searcher is to your business
Prominence – How well-known or established your business is online
Relevance – How well your business matches the search query
You can’t control where someone searches from, but you can boost prominence and relevance with:
- Ongoing content marketing (blogs, FAQs, location-specific service pages)
- Local backlinks from nearby organizations
- Active participation in community events or sponsorships (and getting mentioned online)
7. Build Local Backlinks
While backlinks in general matter for SEO, local backlinks are especially valuable for Maps rankings. They show Google you’re connected to the local community.
Where to Get Local Links:
- Local newspapers and online publications
- Local bloggers or influencers
- Sponsorships and community events
- Schools, nonprofits, or sports teams you support
A single backlink from a respected local source can carry more weight than dozens of generic ones.
8. Monitor Performance with the Right Tools
Just like traditional SEO, local SEO requires ongoing tracking and refinement.
Tools to Use:
- Google Business Profile Insights: See how many people viewed or interacted with your listing
- Google Analytics: Track where traffic is coming from
- Search Console: Monitor impressions and keyword rankings
- Local Falcon or BrightLocal: Get a snapshot of your Maps ranking geographically throughout your city
Set benchmarks and revisit your progress monthly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a small misstep can tank your local visibility. Watch out for:
- Using different business names or numbers across directories
- Keyword stuffing in your GBP name (violates Google’s guidelines)
- Ignoring reviews or failing to respond
- Listing fake service areas or virtual offices
- Not keeping hours or contact info up to date
- Not keeping multiple locations separate
Local SEO is about trust. Consistency and accuracy matter more than shortcuts.
When to Work with a Local SEO Consultant
If you’re not seeing results after implementing these strategies, it might be time to bring in a pro.
At Alex Furfaro SEO Consulting, we offer deep-dive local SEO audits, competitive analysis, and Google Business Profile optimization to get you ranking where it counts—on the map.
Final Thoughts: Ranking in Google Maps Takes Real Strategy
Getting to the top of Google Maps isn’t just about claiming your listing—it’s about sending clear, consistent signals to Google that you’re the best local option.
With the right foundation and an ongoing plan, you can drive more calls, clicks, and customers from the map results.
Need help getting there? Reach out for a free local SEO consultation. We’ll show you what’s working, what’s not, and how to climb the map rankings.
FAQ
How long does it take to rank higher on Google Maps?
Most businesses see noticeable improvements in 3-6 months if they follow best practices and actively optimize their profile.
Can I rank in Maps if I don’t have a physical office?
It depends. If you’re a service-area business, you can still rank—but you must hide your address and define your service areas in GBP.
Do reviews really affect map rankings?
Yes. Review quantity, quality, and freshness all influence visibility in Google’s local algorithm.
Does posting on my Google Business Profile help?
It can. Posting updates shows activity and gives Google fresh content to index. It also engages potential customers.
Is it possible to rank in multiple cities on Google Maps?
Yes—but only if you have separate verified listings and physical or service-area presence in each location.
