How to Rank on Google Maps: 7 Steps

Table of Contents

• Why Ranking on Google Maps Matters for Your Business
• Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
• Step 2: Complete Your Google Business Profile Optimisation
  • Business information and categories
  • Photos and videos
• Step 3: Conduct Local Keyword Research for Your Area
• Step 4: Build a Google Reviews Strategy That Works
• Step 5: Ensure Consistent Business Information Across the Web
• Step 6: Use Local Rank Tracking Tools to Monitor Progress
• Step 7: Create Location-Relevant Content on Your Website
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: 12 October 2026

Why Ranking on Google Maps Matters for Your Business

Your customers are searching for you on Google Maps right now, and learning how to rank on Google maps is essential to being found. They want to find your business, see your reviews, and check your location. If you're not ranking well, they'll find your competitors instead.

Ranking on Google Maps isn't just about appearing in search results. It's about getting calls, enquiries, and walk-in customers. When people search for services in their area, Google Maps shows them the most relevant, trusted businesses first. Being visible there directly drives revenue.

ITWizrd helps small business owners across the UK understand that a strong Google Maps presence is as important as having a website. Many businesses neglect this channel entirely, missing out on high-intent local customers. The good news: improving your ranking on Google Maps is within your control if you follow the right steps.

Below, we'll walk you through exactly how to rank on Google Maps, from claiming your profile to building reviews and tracking your progress.

Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation for ranking on Google Maps. If you haven't claimed it yet, you're losing visibility immediately.

Start by going to Google Business Profile and searching for your business name. If it already exists, claim it. Google will ask you to verify ownership. Verification usually happens through a postcard sent to your business address, this takes 1-2 weeks.

If your business doesn't appear yet, create a new profile. You'll need:

• Business name
• Address
• Phone number
• Website URL
• Business category

After verification, your profile goes live. This is your first step toward ranking on Google Maps. Without a verified profile, you cannot rank at all.

Step 2: Complete Your Google Business Profile Optimisation

A claimed profile isn't enough. You need to complete every section to rank higher on Google Maps. Incomplete profiles rank poorly, regardless of reviews or other factors.

Business information and categories

Your business category is critical. Choose the most specific category that matches what you do. If you run a café that also does light lunches, select "Café" not "Restaurant." Accuracy matters for ranking on Google Maps.

Fill in every field:

• Business description (up to 750 characters)
• Opening hours
• Services offered
• Attributes (e.g., "wheelchair accessible", "outdoor seating")
• Website and call button links

Keep your description clear and benefit-focused. Tell customers what you do and why they should choose you.

Photos and videos

Google Maps shows businesses with more photos higher in results. Add at least 10 high-quality photos covering:

• Your shopfront or office entrance
• Interior spaces
• Products or services in action
• Your team
• Customer experiences

Update photos regularly. Fresh images signal an active business. Add seasonal photos or new product shots every few months.

Videos perform even better. A 15-30 second video of your business in action can boost your ranking on Google Maps significantly. Keep it simple: show your team working, customers enjoying your service, or a quick walk-through of your space.

Step 3: Conduct Local Keyword Research for Your Area

Many businesses make the same mistake: they use generic keywords instead of local ones. You don't just want to rank for "plumber", you want to rank for "plumber near me" or "plumber in [your area]."

Research what people are actually searching for. Use Google Maps search itself. Type your service into Google Maps and see what suggestions appear. These are real searches people are making.

Look for keywords that include:

• Your location name
• Service + location combinations
• "Near me" variations
• Common local terms

Once you identify these keywords, use them naturally in your Google Business Profile description and website content. Don't stuff keywords, write naturally. Google's system detects keyword stuffing and penalises it.

Step 4: Build a Google Reviews Strategy That Works

Reviews are one of the strongest ranking factors for Google Maps. Businesses with more reviews and higher ratings rank higher. This isn't optional, it's essential.

Ask your customers to leave reviews. Make it easy. Send a follow-up email after purchase with a direct link to your Google Business Profile review section. Include a simple message: "We'd love to hear about your experience. Leave a review on Google Maps."

Respond to every review, positive or negative. Thank customers for positive reviews. Address complaints professionally and offer solutions. Google's algorithm rewards businesses that engage with reviews actively.

Contact →

Don't buy fake reviews. Google detects this and removes them, sometimes suspending your entire profile. Real reviews from real customers are the only strategy that works long-term.

Aim for at least 20-30 reviews in your first few months. After that, maintain momentum with 5-10 new reviews per month. Businesses with consistent review growth rank higher on Google Maps.

Step 5: Ensure Consistent Business Information Across the Web

Google checks your business information across multiple sources. If your business name, address, or phone number differs across websites, Google gets confused. This hurts your ranking on Google Maps.

Audit your online presence. Check:

• Your website
• Social media profiles
• Local business directories
• Industry-specific listings

Make sure your name, address, and phone number match exactly everywhere. Even small differences like "Street" vs "St" can cause problems.

Use local business directories relevant to your industry. If you run a restaurant, be on TripAdvisor and Yelp. If you're a tradesperson, register with local trade directories. These citations boost your ranking on Google Maps.

Step 6: Use Local Rank Tracking Tools to Monitor Progress

You need to know where you rank. Without tracking, you won't know if your efforts are working.

Use tools that monitor your ranking on Google Maps for your target keywords. Track your position weekly. Are you moving up or down? Which keywords are improving?

Many affordable tools exist for small businesses. They show your ranking position, competitor positions, and review trends. This data guides your next steps.

Monitor these metrics:

• Your ranking position for key local keywords
• Number of reviews and average rating
• Click-through rate from Google Maps
• Phone calls and enquiries from Google Maps

If your ranking isn't improving after 2-3 months, adjust your strategy. Maybe you need more reviews. Maybe your photos need updating. Data tells you what's working.

Step 7: Create Location-Relevant Content on Your Website

Your website and Google Maps ranking work together. Content on your website should support your local ranking on Google Maps.

Write blog posts and pages about local topics. If you're a dentist in your area, write about common dental problems your local patients face. If you run a café, write about local events or community news.

Include your location name naturally in your content. Don't force it, but make it clear you serve your local area. This signals to Google that you're a local business, not a national one.

Link your website to your Google Business Profile. Add a Google Maps embed on your contact page. This connection strengthens your overall local presence.

Update your website regularly. Fresh content signals an active business. Google rewards businesses that maintain their online presence actively.

Ranking on Google Maps requires consistent effort across multiple areas: a complete profile, genuine reviews, accurate information, and local content. Many small businesses skip these steps and wonder why they're not visible. The businesses that rank highest are the ones that treat Google Maps as seriously as they treat their website.

ITWizrd helps small businesses build websites that work alongside a strong Google Maps presence. A high-converting website captures the leads that Google Maps drives to you. Together, a solid Google Maps ranking and a professional website create a powerful local marketing engine that turns searches into customers.