Quick Outline
Get Found Faster!
Let’s be real—when people are searching for a business like yours, they’re probably not scrolling past the first few results on Google Maps. If you’re not showing up there? You’re basically invisible. But don’t worry—fixing that isn’t rocket science (though Google’s algorithm might feel like it sometimes). Here’s how you can make sure your business can rank higher on Google Maps and stay there.
1. Claim Your Spot on Google (Like, Right Now)
If your business isn’t listed on Google yet, that’s problem number one. Go to Google My Business, create a profile, and fill in everything—your address, phone number, category, even what makes your coffee shop smell like heaven in the morning. The more complete your profile, the better.
Pro tip: Add photos. Not just any photos—good ones. Google loves visuals, and so do your potential customers. Nobody wants to visit a business that looks like it was last updated in 2012.
2. Reviews: Get Them, Keep Them, Respond to Them
Reviews aren’t just for ego boosts. Google treats them like social proof. More (and better) reviews tell Google, “Hey, this business is legit. Let’s bump them up.”
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews—just don’t ask all at once. A sudden flood of five-star ratings? That’s a red flag for Google. Instead, make it a habit to remind customers regularly. And when you get reviews (even the bad ones), respond. Thank them, address concerns, and show you’re paying attention.
3. Use Google Posts (Seriously, It’s Free Real Estate)
Google Posts lets you publish updates directly on your Google Business Profile. Think of it as a mini social media feed inside Google Search. Got a special promotion? A new service? An event? Post about it.
And yes, use images and videos. People scroll right past walls of text, but they stop for a well-shot video or an eye-catching image.
4. Be Everywhere: List Your Business on Trusted Directories
Yelp, Bing Places, Facebook, Yahoo Local—yeah, people still use those. Google cross-references these listings to verify your business info, so consistency is key. Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) need to match exactly across all platforms. Even small inconsistencies (like “St.” vs. “Street”) can mess things up.
Check out why local directories matter to dive deeper into this.
5. Schema Markup: The Secret Weapon
Most businesses ignore schema markup because, well, it sounds complicated. But it’s not. This behind-the-scenes code helps Google understand details about your business (like operating hours and services). The easier you make it for Google, the more it rewards you.
6. Website Speed: Because Nobody Likes Waiting
Slow websites kill rankings. Even if you rank high, visitors will bounce if your site drags. Fix it:
- Optimize images (no 5MB photos, please).
- Use fast hosting.
- Minimize JavaScript and CSS bloat.
Need help? We break it down in our on-page SEO audit guide.
7. Embed Google Maps on Your Site
Adding a Google Map to your contact page reinforces your location. Plus, it makes it easier for customers to get directions. Google notices this stuff.
8. Social Media Signals Matter (Even If You Hate Social Media)
You don’t have to be a TikTok influencer, but staying active on social media helps. Google factors in social engagement when ranking businesses—likes, shares, comments, all of it.
Post regularly, interact with followers, and make sure your business info is accurate across all platforms.
9. Mobile Optimization: It’s Non-Negotiable
More than 60% of searches happen on mobile. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing customers.
- Make sure your site adapts to different screen sizes.
- Ensure buttons and links are easy to tap.
- Speed matters even more on mobile. Test your site at Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
10. SEO: The Big Picture
Google Maps ranking isn’t just about your business profile—it’s tied to your website’s overall SEO health. Local keywords, backlinks, content marketing, and a rock-solid SEO strategy all help. If your site ranks well in regular search, it’s way more likely to show up on Maps.
Need a strategy that actually works? Check out our local SEO services.
Ready to Rank Higher on Google Maps? Let’s Make It Happen.
If this all sounds like too much work (we get it), let us handle it. At First Page Results, we specialize in getting local businesses to the top—on Google Maps and beyond.
Contact us today and let’s get started.
