Trying to figure out how to rank higher on Google Maps? These 7 underrated tricks will put your business on the map—literally.
Let’s face it: if your business isn’t showing up on Google Maps, you’re losing customers. Period.
People search for everything on their phones now—“plumber near me,” “best tacos nearby,” or “emergency locksmith open now.” And guess what? They usually tap one of the first 3 results that pop up.
That’s why Google Maps SEO is a total game-changer. It’s not just for tech nerds or big corporations. It’s for every local business that wants more calls, more clicks, and more foot traffic.
Ready to unlock your local visibility? Let’s go over 7 tips that’ll boost your spot on the map faster than you think.
Most people just pick a category that sort of fits their business. Big mistake.
Google heavily prioritizes businesses that match the searcher’s intent. So if you’re a “kitchen remodeling contractor,” don’t just pick “contractor.” Be specific. Use “kitchen remodeler” or “bathroom remodeler.”
Pro tip: You can also add secondary categories. Just don’t go crazy—stick to ones that genuinely fit your services.
Here’s where Google Maps SEO gets sneaky-good.
Most businesses leave the description field super generic. But if you add smart, natural keywords—like “emergency plumbing in Dallas” or “pet grooming West Palm Beach”—you’re giving Google exactly what it wants to see.
Just don’t stuff it with keywords. Write like a human, not a robot.
Businesses that upload photos consistently get more clicks. It’s a trust signal. People want to see the front of your shop, your staff, or the food you serve—not stock images.
Google even uses image metadata (like geotags) to help confirm your location. Bonus SEO points!
Upload at least 1 new photo every week. And yes, it matters.
This might sound obvious, but here’s the trick: it’s not just about the number of reviews—it’s about the velocity and engagement.
Ask happy customers to leave a review right after their visit. Then reply to it. Google notices that engagement and will trust your business more.
Pro move: Use keywords in your responses like “Thanks for choosing us for your roof repair in Tampa!”—Google eats that up.
Get Real Reviews – Google by now knows what is real human review look like from previous happy or unhappy customers. Try to address also the negative reviews rather than reporting them.
Most business owners don’t even touch this feature. Big mistake.
Google Posts are little updates that show on your profile when someone finds you. You can announce specials, events, blog updates, or tips.
Think of it as free advertising space… directly on Google. And yes—it helps your ranking too.
Let’s say you serve multiple cities. Instead of one generic homepage, create a dedicated page for each area—like “AC Repair Fort Lauderdale” and “AC Repair Boca Raton.”
Then link those pages on your Google Business Profile under the “Website” or “Appointment” section. Google loves localized relevance.
Plus, it’s great for traditional SEO too. Win-win.
NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number.
And yes—it needs to be exactly the same everywhere online. That means your website, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, directories, and anywhere else your business is listed.
If Google finds mismatches, it gets confused and may rank you lower.
This one sounds boring, but it’s one of the biggest factors in ranking higher on Google Maps.
Don’t let all the SEO lingo scare you. At the end of the day, Google wants to show trustworthy, relevant, and active businesses to searchers. If you follow the tips above—even just 3 or 4 of them—you’ll likely see a boost in your visibility fast.
If you want help doing this the right way, Map Kings is a boutique service for specializes in Google Maps SEO for small and medium-sized businesses. We help you dominate local search—so you get more leads, more calls, and more sales.
At Map Kings, we take a revolutionized approach to local SEO, using data-driven strategies and advanced optimization techniques.
Contact us and get results!
MAPKINGS