When people search for nearby businesses on Google—like “best spa near me” or “coffee shop in Manila”—they’re usually shown a list of top-rated places on a map. This is what we call the Google Map Pack, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to attract local customers. If your business appears in that map section, you’re not just visible—you’re more likely to get calls, visits, and conversions.
So how do you actually get your business to rank on Google Maps? It’s all about Local SEO—and no, you don’t need to be a tech expert to start. Whether you own a small café, a service-based business, or a local clinic, this guide will walk you through the steps in a simple and friendly way.
Start with Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
The foundation of your Google Maps ranking is your Google Business Profile, previously known as Google My Business. Think of it as your online storefront on Google. If you haven’t claimed your business yet, do it as soon as possible at google.com/business. Make sure every detail is accurate—your business name, address, phone number, website, and operating hours.
Don’t stop at the basics. Add compelling photos of your products, your team, or your office. Write a clear business description that includes keywords people would use to find you, such as “barber shop in Quezon City” or “affordable dentist in Cebu.” The more complete and locally relevant your profile is, the better your chances of ranking higher in Maps.
Reviews: Your Social Proof on the Map
Reviews are more than just customer feedback—they’re local ranking signals. Google favors businesses that are trusted by real customers. If you want to rank higher, you need to build up genuine, positive reviews on your profile.
After a successful transaction or service, don’t be shy—ask for a review. You can send a direct link to your review page through chat, email, or even print it on your receipts. As people leave reviews, take the time to respond to them, especially the positive ones. A simple “Thank you” shows you’re active and engaged. If someone posts a negative review, reply respectfully and try to resolve the issue. Google rewards businesses that communicate professionally.
Use Location-Based Keywords Naturally
If you want to appear in local search results, you need to tell Google where you are and what you do. That’s where location-based keywords come in. When writing your profile description or website content, naturally include the name of your city, town, or district alongside your services.
For example, instead of saying “We offer car repair services,” you can say, “We’re a trusted car repair shop serving clients in Pasig City.” Don’t overdo it—just mention your location in a way that feels natural to a human reader.
Also, consider creating location-specific pages on your website if you serve multiple areas. This gives your site a better chance of ranking not just in Google Maps, but also in regular local search results.
Be Consistent Across the Web (NAP Consistency)
NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. These three details must be consistent across all platforms—your website, social media, directories, and business listings. If Google sees conflicting information, it could lower your credibility and affect your rankings.
Take some time to review your business listings on websites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, Facebook, and even niche local directories in your country. Are your address and contact details identical across the board? If not, update them. Small mismatches, like a missing suite number or a typo in your phone number, can create confusion for both search engines and customers.
Don’t Forget to Embed Your Map Location
Here’s a small but helpful step—embed your Google Map location on your website’s contact page. It not only makes it easier for visitors to find you, but also strengthens your local signals in Google’s algorithm.
It’s simple to do: go to your Google Maps listing, click the “Share” button, then choose “Embed a map.” Copy the HTML code and paste it into your contact page. If you’re using WordPress or another website builder, there are plugins that make this even easier.
Post Updates to Keep Your Profile Fresh
Did you know you can post updates directly on your Google Business Profile, just like you do on Facebook or Instagram? These posts can include promotions, product launches, events, or announcements.
Posting regularly signals to Google that your business is active. It also gives potential customers more reasons to engage with your profile. You don’t need to post every day—once or twice a week is enough to stay visible and relevant.
Build Local Backlinks and Mentions
Getting other local websites to mention or link to your business helps boost your authority in Google’s eyes. These are called backlinks, and they act like “votes of confidence” for your business.
Look for ways to collaborate with bloggers in your area, get featured in local news articles, or sponsor community events that include a link to your website. The goal is to be mentioned on other reputable local websites, which tells Google you’re a real, trusted part of your community.
Add Structured Data (If You Have a Website)
If you manage your own website or work with a developer, consider adding LocalBusiness schema. This is a type of code that gives Google detailed information about your business—such as your address, operating hours, and services—in a format that search engines can easily understand.
It won’t instantly change your rankings, but it helps your business appear in rich search results and improves your overall local visibility. Tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper or plugins like RankMath (for WordPress) can guide you through the process.
Get on the Map—Literally
Ranking in Google Maps isn’t about shortcuts or tricks—it’s about being accurate, active, and valuable to your local customers. When your information is complete, your reviews are honest, and your presence is consistent online, Google is more likely to put you in front of the right people.
If you need help with Local SEO or want your business to show up more often in Google Maps, I can help. I specialize in SEO strategies for small and medium businesses here in the Philippines and beyond.
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Let’s work together to make your business easier to find—online and in real life.
