Top Strategies to Rank Higher on Google Maps

Did you know that 70% of local customers visit a business they find on Google Maps? If you’re running a local business, especially a home service company, Google Maps isn’t just your ordinary map—it’s your sales engine.

Ranking higher on Google Maps can directly boost your foot traffic, phone calls, and lead generation, all without massive advertising budgets.

This blog outlines actionable strategies for local business owners to enhance their visibility on Google Maps. Whether you’re a plumber, a landscaper, or a pest control expert, these tips will help you dominate your local search results.

Understanding Google Maps Rankings: The Basics

Google Maps rankings are determined by three key factors:

Relevance

Is your Google Business Profile (GBP) optimized for keywords that match customer searches? For example, a “24-hour plumber in Austin” will rank higher than a generic “plumber” if someone in Austin emerges with a broken faucet at midnight.

Distance

How close is your business to the searcher’s location? This is a geographical factor that you can’t control directly but plays an important role in your overall ranking.

Prominence

Prominence is all about your online reputation—think customer reviews, website backlinks, and strong SEO practices. Businesses with an enduring positive online presence naturally rank higher.

Here’s an example in action:

Imagine two plumbers in Phoenix. While one has an optimized profile with clear work hours, high-quality images, and 100+ reviews, the other hasn’t updated their listing in months. Guess who Google prioritizes? Exactly.

The key takeaway is that while you can’t change your physical distance from a searcher, you should focus on improving relevance and prominence to achieve better rankings.

Core Strategies to Boost Your Google Maps Rankings

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your GBP is the core of your Google Maps presence. Without proper optimization, you’re likely leaving potential customers to your competition.

Here are actionable steps to follow:

• Ensure Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) consistency across all platforms.
• Accurately list your business hours, including holiday schedules.
• Add specific categories and services to your profile (e.g., “emergency AC repair”).
• Upload high-quality images of your business, team, and completed projects.

Pro tip: Use the “Services” and “Products” sections to include keyword-rich descriptions that align with what your customers are searching for.

A real-life example: A landscaping business that uploads “before-and-after” shots of lawn renovations with descriptions like “lawn aeration services in [City]” is likely to attract both customer clicks and higher rankings.

“If your Google Maps listing isn’t optimized, you’re leaving money on the table. This is where 70-80% of leads for local businesses originate.” — Avram Gonzales, Founder and Chief Strategist of Digital Harvest

2. Get More (and Better) Reviews

Customer reviews serve as trust signals, both to Google and potential buyers. A steady flow of positive reviews can make your business appear more legitimate, increasing your prominence.

Here’s how you can encourage reviews:

• Ask satisfied customers in person, via email, or through SMS.
• Add a “Request a Review” link in your post-service follow-up communication.
• Respond to reviews—both positive and negative—professionally and promptly.

Let’s take a look at this example:

A roofing company thanking a satisfied customer by responding, “Thanks, Sarah, for trusting us with your roof replacement! We’re glad you loved the result.” Human customer interactions make your business appear approachable and attentive.

3. Use Local Keywords in GBP and Website Content

Google uses keywords to match your Business Profile to user searches. Incorporating local keywords ensures you show up when customers near you search for your services.

Here are some actionable insights to consider:

• Add location-based keywords (e.g., “Hoboken pest control services”) to your business description.
• Create service web pages that include these same location keywords.

Example: If you’re a pest control business in Miami, make sure your GBP description and website content mention terms like “ant extermination in Miami” or “Miami rodent control.”

Pro tip: Use free tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to discover high-ranking local search terms relevant to your industry.

4. Build Local Backlinks

When local websites link to your business, it boosts your authority and credibility in the community. These backlinks act as endorsements, showing search engines and potential customers that your business is trusted locally.

Links from neighborhood blogs, local news, or community event pages can improve your visibility and help you rank higher in local search results. This drives more traffic to your site and attracts nearby customers who value businesses with strong local ties.

Here’s how you can build local backlinks to boost your online presence:

• Sponsor local events or charities to earn mentions on their websites.
• Partner with local bloggers to write features about your services.
• Submit your business information to reputable local directories such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places.

Proven Strategies to Dominate Competitive Markets

1. Leverage the Q&A Section

Customers increasingly rely on the Q&A section of Google Business Profiles for quick answers. This newfound engagement tool can also help you rank higher.

Here’s how you can maximize this section:

• Answer common customer questions like “Do you offer 24-hour emergency services?” thoroughly.
• Use this opportunity to include target keywords in your answers.

Example: A lawn care service answering, “Yes, we offer seasonal discounts for spring clean-ups in the Denver area,” reinforces relevance and builds customer trust.

2. Post Regular Updates on GBP

Keeping your profile active with updates shows Google your business is thriving. Posting about new products, services, events, or promotions boosts your search visibility and keeps your audience informed. This strengthens your online presence and builds trust with potential customers by showing your business is active and current.

Let’s list down some ideas for you to post:

• Announce new services (“Now offering weekend availability for plumbing repairs—perfect for busy homeowners!”).
• Share promotions or discounts (“Summer Special: Get 20% off HVAC maintenance through August 31st!”).
• Post high-value tips and links to blog articles (“5 Simple Ways to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater—read our blog for expert advice!”).

Pro tip: Google favors actively managed profiles, so aim to update your GBP at least twice a month.

3. Use Call Tracking to Refine Strategies

Call tracking helps you measure which campaigns, listings, or keywords generate the most customer inquiries. You can see what drives calls to your business by assigning unique phone numbers to different channels.

This data lets you evaluate your advertising, improve underperforming campaigns, and use your marketing budget more effectively. Whether it’s a Google ad, social media post, or flyer, call tracking provides insights to boost customer engagement and ROI.

We, at Digital Harvest, offer this powerful tool to our clients to help them achieve greater reach, higher engagement, and measurable growth in their marketing efforts.

Example: If 60% of calls come from a paid ad you linked to your GBP, you now know where to allocate resources for maximum ROI.

Boost Your Business with Top Google Maps Rankings

Improving your Google Maps rankings isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about consistent effort. From optimizing your Google Business Profile to gathering authentic reviews and building strong local connections, each step helps improve your local visibility.

For home service businesses, the potential payoff is enormous.  As Avram Gonzales explains, “Local businesses with a strong Google Maps presence benefit from increased customer trust and more leads—two powerful advantages in today’s market.”

Want to dominate your local market on Google Maps? Visit Digital Harvest or connect with Avram Gonzales on LinkedIn for more expert strategies!