In today’s digital world, Google Maps is more than just a navigation tool. It’s one of the best platforms for local businesses to get customers. When someone searches for “IT Services near me” or “IT Services Brooklyn Park”, the top three results in Google Maps, known as the Local 3-Pack, get most of the clicks. If your business isn’t showing up there, you’re missing out on leads and sales.

In this post, we’ll cover how to get your business on Google Maps. Whether you’re a small local shop or a service provider, these tips will help you get more visibility, build trust, and get more customers.

Why Ranking on Google Maps Matters

1. High Visibility: Google Maps listings appear before organic results in local searches.
   
2. Customer Trust: Businesses with reviews, photos, and updated details are perceived as more reliable.
   
3. Direct Conversions: Customers can call, visit your website, or get directions instantly from your listing.
   
4. Mobile Advantage: Most people search on mobile, and Google Maps integrates seamlessly with smartphones.
   

In short, ranking high on Google Maps can dramatically increase your local reach and revenue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ranking Your Business on Google Maps

1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile

The first step is creating or claiming your Google Business Profile (GBP). Without it, your business won’t appear in Google Maps results.

• Visit Google Business Profile
  
• Enter your business details (name, address, phone, category).
  
• Verify your business via postcard, phone, or email.
  

Make sure your business name is exactly as it appears in the real world, avoid keyword stuffing, as it can lead to penalties.

2. Optimize Your Business Information

Google wants to show the most accurate and complete businesses to users. That means you must provide consistent and detailed information.

• Business name, address, and phone (NAP) must match across all platforms.
  
• Add business hours, website link, and service areas.
  
• Choose the most relevant primary category (“Digital Marketing Agency”).
  
• Add secondary categories if your business offers multiple services.

3. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visual content plays a huge role in ranking and conversions. According to Google, businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website.

• Upload your logo, storefront, interior shots, team photos, and product images.
  
• Use short videos showcasing your services.
  
• Update photos regularly to stay active in Google’s eyes.
  

4. Collect and Manage Customer Reviews

Reviews are a top-ranking factor for Google Maps. The more positive and authentic reviews you have, the higher your chances of ranking.

• Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google.
  
• Respond to all reviews, thank people for positive ones, and address negative feedback politely.
  
• Avoid fake or purchased reviews, Google can detect them and penalize your profile.
  

Use review requests in follow-up emails, SMS reminders, or even QR codes in your store.

5. Use Local Keywords in Your Profile

Just like SEO for websites, keywords matter for Google Maps too. Include location-based keywords in your:

• Business description
  
• Services section
  
• Review responses
  
• Posts and updates
  

For example, instead of writing “We provide IT services,” write “We provide affordable IT services in Minnesota.”

6. Post Regular Updates on Google Business Profile

Many businesses ignore the Posts feature in Google Business Profile, but it helps with visibility.

You can share:

• Special offers and discounts
  
• Upcoming events
  
• New product launches
  
• Business news and updates
  

Posting regularly signals activity and increases your chances of ranking.

7. Build Local Citations and Backlinks

Citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number on other websites (directories, local blogs, chambers of commerce).

• Submit your business to directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and TripAdvisor.
  
• Ensure NAP consistency across all listings.
  
• Earn backlinks from local websites, newspapers, or community pages.
  

8. Improve Your Website’s Local SEO

Google Maps ranking is connected to your website’s authority. If your website is optimized, your Maps ranking improves too.

• Add your business name, city, and services to page titles and meta descriptions.
  
• Create a dedicated “Contact” page with an embedded Google Map.
  
• Use schema markup (LocalBusiness) for better indexing.
  
• Ensure your website loads fast and is mobile-friendly.
  

9. Leverage Q&A on Google Maps

Customers can ask questions directly on your listing, and answering them builds trust while boosting engagement.

• Monitor questions regularly.
  
• Provide clear, detailed answers.
  
• Seed common FAQs yourself to pre-empt customer queries.
  

10. Track Insights and Analytics

Finally, measure your progress. Google provides valuable Insights on your profile, including:

• How customers find your listing (direct vs. discovery searches).
  
• What actions they take (calls, directions, website visits).
  
• Popular times customers view your business.
  

Use this data to refine your local SEO strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keyword stuffing in business name (e.g., “Best SEO Services in Elk River”).
  
• Inconsistent NAP details across platforms.
  
• Ignoring negative reviews or leaving them unanswered.
  
• Low-quality photos that don’t represent your brand.
  
• Neglecting profile updates for months.
  

Conclusion

Ranking on Google Maps isn’t a one off, it’s a process. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, collecting reviews, posting updates and focusing on local SEO, you can get into the Local 3-Pack and stay there.