How to Rank Higher on Google Maps Using Google My Business

Google Maps is no longer just a tool for directions  it’s a powerful search engine that helps customers discover businesses nearby. For local companies, ranking high in Google Maps means more visibility, more foot traffic, and more sales.

The key to climbing those rankings? An entirely optimized Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business).

At Code Formats, we’ve helped dozens of businesses secure top spots in Google Maps results — and in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it.

Why Google Maps Rankings Matter for Local Businesses

When people search for businesses “near me” or in a specific area, Google often shows Map Pack results before anything else. These results display:

  • Business name
  • Star ratings and reviews
  • Distance from the user
  • Business hours
  • Phone number and directions

Appearing at the top of these listings drives significantly more traffic, both online and offline.

In fact:

  • 76% of people who search on their smartphones for something nearby visit a business within a day
  • 28% of those searches result in a purchase

The visibility and trust that comes from ranking well in Google Maps is simply unmatched for local businesses.

Step 1:Step 1: Claim and Authenticate Your Google Business Profile

Before anything else, you must claim and verify your Google Business Profile.

  • Go to google.com/business
  • Follow the verification steps (via mail, phone, or video)

Pro Tip: Use a business domain email for verification to build credibility with Google.

Step 2: Optimize Your Business Information

Google aims to provide precise, comprehensive, and pertinent results to users. That means your profile must be:

  • Complete: Fill out every section — name, category, address, service area, phone number, website, business hours
  • Accurate: Make sure the information matches your website and other directories (known as NAP consistency)
  • Keyword-Rich: Use relevant local keywords in your description (e.g., “family dentist in Austin” or “24-hour locksmith in Chicago”)

Avoid keyword stuffing, but make sure your profile clearly communicates what you do and where you do it.

Step 3: Choose the Right Business Categories

Your primary category plays a big role in how Google matches your listing to search queries. Be specific — instead of just “Restaurant,” use “Mexican Restaurant” or “Vegan Restaurant.”

You can also include additional categories to highlight other services you provide.

Example:
A spa could use:

  • Primary: Day Spa
  • Secondary: Massage Therapist, Facial Spa, Nail Salon

Be honest and only select categories that accurately represent your business.

Step 4: Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Google Maps entries that include visuals attract 35% more clicks and 42% more requests for directions than those lacking images.

Add:

  • A professional logo and cover image
  • Exterior and interior shots of your business
  • Photos of staff, services, and happy customers
  • Short videos introducing your team or showing products in action

Ensure your photos are well-illuminated, high-quality, and reflective of your brand’s essence.

Step 5: Get More Positive Reviews

Reviews significantly influence ranking on Google Maps. Companies with a greater volume of positive reviews typically achieve better rankings and receive increased interaction.

Here’s how to increase reviews:

  • Ask customers in person after a great experience
  • Send follow-up communications or messages that include a direct link for feedback
  • Display QR codes on receipts or signage
  • Respond to all reviews, especially negative ones

Pro Tip: Use keywords in your responses when possible. Google reads review content and responses when determining ranking relevance.

Step 6: Publish Weekly Google Posts

Google Posts allow you to share updates, offers, events, and news directly on your Business Profile — and they’re a ranking signal for activity.

Each post should:

  • Include a high-quality image
  • Feature a strong call-to-action (CTA)
  • Use relevant keywords
  • Link to a specific page or offer

Staying active with posts shows Google that your business is engaged and trustworthy.

Bonus Suggestion: Integrate Your Google Map on Your Website.

Adding a Google Map that displays your business’s location on your contact page:

  • Reinforces your local signals
  • Improves SEO with schema markup
  • Enhances user experience

Conclusion: Google Maps Is a Local SEO Goldmine

Ranking high on Google Maps isn’t just about visibility  it’s about earning customer trust and driving real-world actions. With the right strategy, you can transform your Google Business Profile into a top-performing local lead generator.

At Code Formats, we help businesses like yours climb the local rankings and dominate Google Maps results. Whether you need support with installation, enhancement, or ongoing oversight, we’re available to assist.

FAQ – How to Rank Higher on Google Maps Using Google My Business

Q1. What criteria does Google use to rank places on Google Maps?

A:Google evaluates local enterprises on Maps based on three main aspects: Relevance (how accurately your profile aligns with the query), Distance (how nearby you are to the individual searching), and Prominence (the visibility of your establishment).

Q2. What’s the first step to improving my Google Maps ranking?

A:Start by claiming and fully optimizing your Google Business Profile. Make sure to provide precise business name, address, category, operating hours, and contact information.

Q3. How do customer reviews impact my Google Maps ranking?

A: Reviews are critical. Frequent, high-quality reviews — and your responses to them — signal trustworthiness and engagement, which can positively impact your visibility.

Q4. Should I add photos and videos to my profile?

A: Yes! Regularly uploading high-quality images and short videos of your storefront, services, and team boosts engagement and signals activity to Google.