How to Rank Higher in Google Maps: A Step-by-Step Guide for Local Businesses

Google ranks local results on three things: relevance (do you match the search), distance (how close you are to the searcher) and prominence (how well known and trusted you are). You can't move your building, but you can improve the other two a lot.

Relevance

• Choose the most specific primary category, and add every accurate secondary category.
• List every service in your profile with descriptions.
• Build a website page for each service, linked from your profile.
• Use your services and city naturally in your description and posts.

Prominence

• Steady, recent reviews, with responses to every one.
• Consistent name, address and phone across directories.
• Local links and mentions: chamber, sponsorships, press, partners.
• Weekly posts and new photos.

Distance (what you can influence)

• Set accurate service areas if you're a service-area business.
• Build area pages for the places you serve.
• Earn reviews from customers in those areas.

Common mistakes

Keyword stuffing your business name, fake addresses, duplicate profiles, and going months without activity.

See our GBP optimization guide and local SEO.