6 Tips On How To Rank Higher On Google Maps (Google Business)

Today, it’s become common practice for people to turn to Google first when searching for businesses. Whether they’re looking for specific services or a list of similar brands in their area, Google Maps plays a crucial role in connecting users with local businesses.

This widespread reliance on Google Maps highlights an important truth: most people nowadays no longer learn about local businesses through word of mouth but online.  This is backed by a report from SEO Tribunal, which states that 97% of people learn more about brands through the internet than they do anywhere else. If you’ve been trying to rank on Google Maps, you may have also realised that ranking higher in local search results isn’t just about having the best product or service – it’s about having a strong online presence. So, if you want to stand out and drive more traffic to your business, mastering Google Maps SEO is essential. Check out below as we explore and share some tips on how to rank higher on Google Maps (Google Business) to help you improve your visibility and attract more customers.

An Overview of Google Maps SEO

Google Maps operates on a different algorithm than the search results, but SEO principles still play a significant role in how businesses rank, which means your partnered SEO agency in Singapore can help a lot in this area. By implementing the right strategies, you can improve your Google Maps ranking and attract more customers.

Key factors that impact your Google Maps ranking include:

• Optimising your Google Business Profile (GBP): A complete and up-to-date profile helps Google understand your business and makes it more likely to appear in relevant searches.
• Using relevant keywords: Incorporating local and industry-specific keywords in your GBP description, business categories, and posts improves discoverability.
• Generating local citations: Consistent listings across online directories (like Yelp, Facebook, and Yellow Pages) reinforce credibility.
• Encouraging positive reviews: More reviews, particularly high-rated ones, boost trust and ranking authority.
• Ensuring NAP consistency: Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) should be identical across all platforms to prevent discrepancies.

Additionally, optimising your website for local SEO with structured data (schema markup) and ensuring mobile-friendliness enhances your visibility. These techniques help Google connect your business with the right local searches, leading to better rankings and increased customer engagement.

Understanding the Local Map Pack

When discussing Google Maps rankings, marketers often refer to the Local Map Pack (also known as the map or snack pack). This search feature displays a map along with three top-ranking local businesses that best match a user’s query.

The Local Map Pack appears whenever Google detects local intent behind a search. For example:

• An informational search like “how to bake a blueberry pie” doesn’t require local business results – any recipe will suffice.
• A transactional search such as “where to buy a fresh blueberry pie” signals the need for local business recommendations, triggering the Local Map Pack.

Google is smart enough to display local results even when a location isn’t specified. That’s why having a well-optimised Google Business Profile is crucial for increasing visibility and ensuring your business appears in relevant searches.

The importance of Google Business Profiles in Google Maps ranking

Your Google Business Profile – formerly known as Google My Business – is a free tool that enables businesses to appear on Google Maps and interact with customers. Whether you’re familiar with it by name or not, you’ve likely encountered and used GBP listings in your searches.

Google Business Profiles are fundamental to local search visibility, playing a major role in whether a business ranks well in local search results and helping them get more customers. When users click on a listing in the Local Map Pack (except for the “Website” link), they are directed to that business’s Google Business Profile, where they can view essential details and customer reviews.

Optimising your Google Business Profile for better ranking

The first step in optimising your GBP is claiming or creating your profile. To do this, search for your business name on Google and check if it appears in the right-hand panel. If it does, look for the “Own this business?” prompt to claim ownership. If someone else has already claimed it, you may need to track them down or request ownership from Google.

Once you have control of your profile, ensure that it includes the following details:

• Business name
• Primary business category (and relevant secondary categories)
• Phone number and address
• Operating hours
• Website link
• High-quality photos (exterior, interior, and team photos at a minimum)
• Business description (a compelling overview that highlights what makes your business unique)
• Relevant attributes (particularly those specific to your industry)

Among these elements, choosing the right business category is especially critical. Google allows you to select a primary category and additional secondary categories, but your primary selection carries the most weight. Selecting the wrong category can severely impact your business’s visibility in relevant searches.

Choosing the best category for your business

If your business fits into multiple categories, consider the following factors:

• Your core service: What is your business most known for?
• Customer demand: Which service is currently in the highest demand?
• Multiple practitioners: If you have individual service providers (e.g., lawyers, doctors, realtors), consider creating separate listings for each practitioner with their own specific category.

Additional strategies to enhance your Google Maps ranking

While claiming and optimising your GBP is critical, achieving higher visibility on Google Maps requires a multifaceted approach. Below are key strategies to strengthen your local SEO efforts and improve your ranking potential:

1. Optimise your website for local relevance

Your website serves as an extension of your GBP, reinforcing your local presence. Ensure consistency by aligning your site’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) with the information on your GBP. Next, incorporate localised content that speaks directly to your community, such as service-area specifics and implement schema markup to help search engines categorise your business. Last but not least, prioritise mobile optimisation to cater to on-the-go users and make strategic use of relevant keywords and thoughtful internal linking to further enhance your site’s authority and relevance.

2. Cultivate and manage customer reviews

Reviews significantly influence both consumer trust and local SEO performance. As such, encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback by integrating review requests into your post-purchase follow-up or service completion process. Not only do the quality and quantity of reviews on your GBP significantly influence local SEO, but customers consult online reviews more than ever before.

Also, respond promptly to negative reviews to demonstrate accountability and professionalism, and engage with positive reviews to humanise your brand. This balance not only improves reputation but also signals credibility to Google.

3. Build locally relevant backlinks

Backlinks from reputable local sources – such as partnerships with nearby businesses, features in regional news outlets, or mentions on community platforms – strengthen your local relevance. Focus on acquiring links from high-authority websites, as these act as endorsements of your business’s credibility. While organic rankings benefit most from backlinks, their local SEO impact is undeniable, particularly when tied to community-centric sources.

4. Monitor and improve behavioural signals

User interactions with your GBP – such as clicks, direction requests, or review submissions – serve as indirect ranking factors. High engagement rates signal value to Google, while excessive bounce rates (users quickly returning to search results) may indicate mismatched content or expectations. To mitigate this, ensure your GBP is accurate, visually appealing, and reflective of your services. Aligning your profile with high-intent keywords can also drive targeted clicks, reinforcing your relevance for specific searches.

5. Maintain consistent citations across platforms

Citations or online mentions of your business’s NAP bolster local SEO by verifying your legitimacy. Inconsistencies in your business information across directories or local listings can confuse search engines and erode trust. As such, take time to audit platforms like Yelp and industry-specific directories to ensure uniformity. Prioritise citations on locally recognised websites to emphasise your community ties.

6. Recognise the role of personalisation

Google tailors search results based on user behaviour, location, and device type. While you can’t directly control personalisation, optimising for mobile users and delivering exceptional service encourages repeat engagement. Positive interactions – such as repeat website visits or prolonged time spent on your GBP – can subtly improve your visibility for returning users.

Conclusion

Success on Google Maps hinges on a holistic strategy. Combine technical optimisations, such as schema markup and mobile-friendly design, with customer-centric practices like review management and community engagement. By aligning these efforts, you reinforce your business’s authority, relevance, and trustworthiness – key pillars in securing a higher rank on Google Maps.