How to Rank Higher on Google Maps — The Right Way
If you’ve ever Googled something like “coffee near me”, you’ve probably seen that little map pop up with three businesses listed right at the top. That’s the Google Maps 3-pack, and landing there can mean a big boost in traffic, calls, and customers.
So how do you get your business to show up there—without gaming the system?
Good news: Google is pretty clear about what it looks for. In this post, we’ll break it all down in simple, no-fluff steps based on Google’s actual guidelines.
1. Set Up & Fully Complete Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your storefront online. If you haven’t claimed it yet, that’s priority number one.
Once you're in, make sure you:
Use your real business name (no extra keywords or fluff).
Select the right categories that match what you do.
Add your correct address, phone number, hours, and website.
Upload some good-quality photos of your place, products, or team.
Fill out your business description using words your customers might search for.
✅ Pro Tip: Google ranks complete and accurate profiles higher. The more detail, the better.
2. Understand What Google Actually Ranks You On
Google uses three main factors to decide who ranks where in local search:
➤ Relevance
How well your listing matches what the person is looking for.
Keep your profile clear, specific, and keyword-smart.
➤ Distance
How close your business is to the person searching.
This one’s out of your control—but it reinforces the need for accurate address info.
➤ Prominence
How well-known and trusted your business is.
This is where reviews, backlinks, and brand reputation come in.
3. Get Reviews (And Respond to Them!)
Reviews are gold. Google even says:
“High-quality, positive reviews from your customers can improve your business visibility.”
Here’s how to make them work for you:
Ask happy customers to leave a review (make it easy with a link).
Respond to every review—especially the bad ones, politely and professionally.
Don’t buy fake reviews. Google will catch on, and it could backfire.
4. Keep Your Profile Active with Posts & Updates
Google likes businesses that stay active.
Use the "Posts" feature on your Business Profile to:
Share updates, events, sales, or behind-the-scenes peeks.
Post consistently (weekly if you can).
Include photos and a clear call-to-action.
It keeps your profile fresh, and it shows both Google and your audience that you're engaged.
5. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
Yes, your Google Maps presence is separate from your website—but they’re connected.
Make sure your website:
Includes your city or neighborhood in the content and title tags.
Has a contact page with your full address and phone number.
Uses local business schema markup to help Google understand your business info.
6. Make Sure Your Site Works Well on Mobile
Most people use Google Maps from their phones. If your site is slow or hard to use on mobile, you’re losing points with both Google and potential customers.
Check your site’s speed and mobile friendliness using Google’s free tool.
7. Get Listed on Other Trusted Directories
Google checks if your business is listed consistently across the web. These are called citations.
Make sure your NAP info (Name, Address, Phone) is exactly the same everywhere.
List your business on sites like Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing Places, and local directories.
Avoid duplicate or outdated listings.
What Not to Do (Seriously)
Avoid these shortcuts—they can hurt you:
Don’t stuff your business name with keywords.
Don’t set up fake locations.
Don’t fake reviews.
Google’s smarter than that, and the penalty is not worth it.
Final Thoughts: Be Consistent, Be Helpful, Be Real
Ranking higher on Google Maps isn’t about tricks—it’s about being the kind of business Google wants to show people.
Keep your info accurate, provide value, ask for honest feedback, and show up consistently online. Do that, and the rankings will come.
Ready to Get Your Business to the Top of Google Maps?
If you’re tired of being buried in local search and want more calls, more clicks, and more customers—I can help.
Let’s take the guesswork out of local SEO and get your business the visibility it deserves.
Book a free strategy call
Email me directly at [reviewrocket@kyariti.org]
Let’s grow your local presence—starting today