How To Rank Higher On Google Maps And Get More Local Leads
This is an increasingly common question we get asked at Full Scope Creative. Business owners are often asking how to rank higher on Google Maps.
Some small business owners think these Map rankings are random or beyond their control. It can feel like you’re doing everything right, but still not showing up.
There are a handful of key things that help. You don’t need tricks or hacks. Like any other type of SEO, it comes down to doing a lot of little things right, over and over again.
Let’s walk through what we’ve seen work.
Complete Your Google Profile 100%
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of everything when it comes to how to rank higher on Google Maps.
Start by claiming and verifying your listing. Then fill out each section you can. Some might feel repetitive or not important. Those sections still need to be filled out.
Add your services. Write out your description. Set your hours. Define your service areas. The more complete your profile is, the better.
Categories are a big one too. Your primary category tells Google what you do. Secondary categories help support that. Take the time to pick the perfect categories for your business. You can look at competitors to help determine your category choices. This can help align with what is working in your area.
If parts of your profile are missing, your listing is not complete. And when your listing is not complete, your chances of ranking well go down.
Reviews Are One of the Biggest Ranking Factors
If you are trying to figure out how to rank higher on Google Maps, reviews need to be a priority.
The goal is not to get a bunch all at once and then stop. Consistency matters (in everything with Google) more big and random than spikes. When you finish a project or sign a new client, ask for a review.
Make it as easy as possible. Send them the direct link.
Google reviews really come down to three things. Quantity, quality, and recency. The more real reviews you have, the better. If they are more detailed, even better! The more recent they are, the better.
And don’t ignore them once they come in. Respond to every review. Take a minute and make it personal. Add some personality. Mention what you worked on together if it makes sense.
Keep Your Profile Active
An active profile tells Google your business is alive and engaged.
Add photos on a regular basis. Post updates. Share offers. Highlight completed projects. You can even share blog posts from your website.
This does not need to be daily. Weekly or every other week works great. The key is to stay consistent and never stop.
We’ve seen profiles that were updated regularly slowly move up over time. It’s not instant, but it works.
Photos Matter More Than Most People Think
Photos are key to ranking higher on Google Maps. Still, a lot of businesses overlook them.
Upload real photos from your work. Show your team. Show your space. Let people see who they are going to work with.
Before uploading an image, rename the file. Don’t name it img1234.jpb. Instead use your company name, services offered, and location.
Avoid stock photos here. This is not the place for them. Google wants to see real businesses. People want to see real businesses.
Got a photo of your team at a Green Bay Packers game? That works. A photo with a happy client after a finished project? Even better.
Consistency Across Your Website and Listings
Consistency plays a bigger role than you may think.
Things like the business name, address, and phone number should always match. Even small differences can cause confusion for users or Google.
For example, our phone number is always listed as 920-621-2378. We never list it as 920.621.2378 or 9206212378. Pick a format, and stick with it.
The same goes for your address. We always list that we are in Ste. 201, not #201 or Unit 201.
Your website matters here too. If your site does not clearly say you are in Green Bay, Appleton, or wherever you are located, you are missing a key piece.
This is where your website and your Google profile work together. Your website helps reinforce your location and services. Your profile builds visibility. When both are aligned, your results improve.
Proximity Still Plays a Role (And You Can’t Control It)
One thing to remember about Google Maps is that you cannot control everything.
Google results, especially Google Maps, shows results based on where the searcher is located.
If I’m in my office in Green Bay and do a search for “best pizzeria,” I’ll see different results than if I was at Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, PA. Sometimes even moving across town can change what shows up.
Because of that, you are not going to rank number one everywhere.
We see this a lot. A business will say they serve all of Northeast Wisconsin, and that may be true. But when we look closer, most of their work comes from the greater Green Bay area.
Focus on your core service area. Build strength there first. Over time, that reach can grow.
Need Help Improving How To Rank Higher On Google Maps?
If you’re looking at how to rank higher on Google Maps and not seeing the listing you want, you’re not alone.
There are no shortcuts. It’s about reviews, activity, completeness, and consistency. Businesses that keep doing these things will rank higher in Google Maps.
If you’re not sure where to start or want someone to take a look, we’d be happy to help. Whether it’s a quick review or just talking through ideas over a cup of coffee, we can walk through what’s working and what could be improved.