How to Rank Higher on Google Maps for Local Searches

If you’re a small business owner trying to reach more people in your area, showing up on Google Maps is a huge deal. It’s basically the digital version of being on Main Street. And let me tell you…if your business isn’t ranking well in local search results, especially in Google’s Map Pack (you know, that top 3 list that shows up before the rest of the results), you’re missing out on major visibility.

I’ve spent the last few years helping small businesses across Virginia (and beyond) improve their local presence, and today I’m sharing what actually works.

Whether you’ve got a brick-and-mortar location in Norfolk, a service-based business in Charlottesville, or you’re working events up and down the East Coast, this one’s for you.

Claim & Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

This is step one. Full stop. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is what powers your Maps presence, and it’s where Google pulls info like your address, hours, reviews, photos, and more.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Claim or verify your listing at google.com/business
• Use your official business name (no keyword stuffing!)
• Add accurate, consistent contact info
• Choose the most relevant business category
• Fill out every field possible (business description, hours, website link, etc.)

💡 Pro Tip: Use keywords naturally in your business description, like “boutique pet supply store in Norfolk” or “event marketing consultant in Virginia Beach.”

Get Strategic With Reviews

Google LOVES reviews. They’re social proof and a major ranking factor. Businesses with more positive, keyword-rich reviews tend to outrank those with few or vague reviews.

Ask your happy customers to leave feedback, especially ones who are local and can mention specifics like:

• The city they visited you in
• What product or service they got
• Why they’d recommend you

💬 Example: “Kaycee helped me plan a killer in-store event in Richmond! She made the whole process stress-free and I got a ton of foot traffic.”

Make it easy for them by sending a direct link to your review form and thanking them afterward!

Add Photos (Like, Often)

This isn’t just about aesthetics. Google tracks engagement on your photos—clicks, swipes, time spent viewing—and rewards active listings.

What kinds of photos should you add?

• Exterior + interior shots of your location
• Products or services in action
• Team photos (yes, even selfies!)
• Event recaps
• Graphics promoting upcoming workshops or promos

💡 I update the Pawsnickety Pets listing with fun product displays and pet events every few weeks. It helps people feel connected and Google loves the activity.

Post Updates on Your Profile

Google lets you publish posts straight to your profile. Think of it like a mini blog or news feed. Use it to share:

• Upcoming events
• New product drops
• Seasonal promos
• Holiday hours
• Customer spotlights

Not only does it keep your profile fresh (which Google likes), it also gives searchers a reason to engage right away.

💡 Post “This Week at XYZ Boutique” updates that highlight what’s new in the shop. It’s a great way to stay visible between big announcements.

Nail Your NAP Consistency

NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number

It has to be consistent across the internet. Your website, Facebook, Yelp, the Chamber of Commerce listing, etc. need to match exactly. If Google sees mismatched info, it might not trust your business enough to rank it highly.

Take a few minutes to audit your online listings and update anything outdated or incorrect.

💡 Use a tool like Moz Local or BrightLocal to find inconsistencies automatically. Huge time-saver!

Embed a Google Map on Your Website

Google likes it when your website and your GBP are besties. Embedding a map (with a pin for your location) on your contact page tells Google: “Hey! This is where we are. You can trust it.”

You can grab the embed code from your GBP dashboard or directly from your Maps listing.

💡 Bonus points if your location info is marked up with local SEO-friendly schema (ask your web dev or reach out to me if you want help!).

Build Local Backlinks & Citations

Links matter. If other credible sites link to you, Google takes that as a vote of confidence.

Start with local directories and industry-specific listings:

• Your local Chamber of Commerce
• Small business directories in your city
• Neighborhood blogs or news outlets
• Local partners and collaborators

And don’t forget to ask for a backlink if you’re being interviewed, featured in a round-up, or co-hosting an event.

💡 Example: If you do a vendor event in Williamsburg, ask the event host to link to your business in their vendor spotlight section.

Use Location-Based Keywords on Your Website

If you’re trying to show up for “event planner in Hampton Roads” or “pet boutique in Norfolk,” make sure your website says those words.

Sprinkle location-specific keywords into:

• Your homepage H1 and meta title
• About page copy
• Product/service descriptions
• Image alt text
• Blog posts

Don’t force it, but make it obvious where you do business. That helps Google connect the dots.

Wrapping It Up

Ranking on Google Maps isn’t about beating the algorithm, it’s about serving your people with clear, helpful, and consistent info. When you show up well online, your dream customers can find you more easily, trust you faster, and walk through your door with confidence.

Local SEO might feel like a beast, but it’s absolutely doable…even as a one-person business like mine. And once it’s set up, it works for you around the clock.

📲 Want help optimizing your Google Business Profile or improving your local search visibility? Shoot me an email to learn more about my consulting services.