How to Rank Higher on Google My Business

Trying to get your business to show up higher in Google Maps and local search results can feel like a guessing game. This guide cuts through the noise and walks you through the exact steps to optimize your Google Business Profile, connect with more customers, and climb the local rankings.

The Three Factors That Drive Google's Local Rankings

Before jumping into optimizations, it’s helpful to understand how Google thinks. Local search results are based primarily on three factors: relevance, distance, and prominence.

• Relevance: How well does your business profile match what the user is searching for? Using the right categories and adding detailed information about your services helps Google understand exactly what you do.
• Distance: How far is your business from the user’s location or the location specified in their search? You can't change your physical address, but you can signal your service area clearly.
• Prominence: How well-known is your business? Google measures prominence based on information it finds across the web - like links, articles, local directory listings, and, most importantly, review count and score.

Everything you do to optimize your profile is designed to improve these three signals. Your goal is to show Google that your business is the most relevant, reputable, and active choice for a local searcher.

Step 1: Build a Rock-Solid Profile Foundation

Most businesses set up a profile and forget it, leaving valuable sections blank. Completing every part of your Google Business Profile isn’t just good practice - it’s a direct signal to Google that you’re a legitimate and active business. A half-finished profile looks untrustworthy to both Google and potential customers.

Fill Out Every Single Section

Don't skip anything. Log into your Google Business Profile Manager and methodically go through every tab. This includes your business name, address, phone number (your NAP), website, and hours. Pay special attention to the more detailed sections:

• Services/Products: Add every service or product you offer. For each one, write a short, clear description that includes terms your customers would use to find you. If you’re a plumber, don’t just list “Plumbing.” List “Drain Cleaning,” “Water Heater Repair,” and “Leak Detection.”
• Attributes: These let you share specific details about your business. Are you women-led? Do you offer free Wi-Fi? Or wheelchair-accessible seating? These attributes can help you stand out in searches and answer customer questions before they even ask.

Choose the Right Categories

Your categories are one of the most powerful relevance signals you have. Your primary category should be the one that best describes the main focus of your business. Treat it as your most important keyword.

Beyond the primary category, add several secondary categories that represent any other services you offer. For instance, a coffee shop’s primary category might be "Coffee Shop," but its secondary categories could include "Bakery," "Cafe," and "Sandwich Shop." This helps you show up for a wider range of relevant searches.

Write a Compelling Business Description

Your business description is your opportunity to tell your story and include important keywords naturally. You have 750 characters to work with, so use them wisely. The first 250 characters are most important as they often appear in the "Knowledge Panel" without needing to be expanded. Focus on what makes your business unique and what problems you solve for your customers. Avoid salesy language and keyword stuffing, just describe what you do in a clear, helpful way.

Upload High-Quality Photos and Videos

People want to see what they’re getting before they visit. Profiles with photos receive more requests for directions and more clicks to their websites. Upload high-quality, well-lit photos of your storefront, team, products, and customers (with permission!).

Here’s a quick photo checklist:

• Cover Photo: The image that best represents your brand.
• Logo: A high-resolution version of your business logo.
• Exterior Shots: Show people what your business looks like from the outside.
• Interior Shots: Give a feel for the atmosphere inside.
• Team Photos: Show the friendly faces behind the business.
• Product/Service Photos: Show your work in action.

Adding video, especially short-form clips like walk-throughs or introductions, can be incredibly engaging and help you stand out even more.

Step 2: Master the Art of Online Reviews

Reviews are the lifeblood of your profile’s prominence. A steady stream of positive reviews shows Google and new customers that you are trustworthy, reliable, and popular. A high star rating can be the deciding factor for someone choosing between you and a competitor.

How to Encourage More Customer Reviews

Getting reviews starts with one simple step: ask. People are often happy to leave a review if you make it easy for them. Timing is everything. Ask for a review right after a positive interaction - when a customer pays a compliment, completes a purchase, or a project is finished successfully.

Make it frictionless:

• In your GBP dashboard, find the "Share review form" button to get a direct link.
• Add the link to your email signature.
• Print a QR code linking to your review page and display it at your front desk.
• Send a follow-up email or text after a service with a polite request and the direct link.

Respond to Every Single Review

This is non-negotiable. Responding to reviews shows you care about customer feedback and are actively engaged with your community. It builds tremendous trust.

• For positive reviews: Thank the customer by name. Acknowledge a specific detail they mentioned to show you actually read it. This personal touch matters.
• For negative reviews: This is an opportunity, not a crisis. Respond promptly, professionally, and empathetically. Apologize for their poor experience, take responsibility, and offer a way to make it right offline. A thoughtful response to a bad review can often win over future customers who see you stand by your service.

Step 3: Keep Your Profile Fresh and Active

Google loves activity. An active, updated profile signals that your business is open and engaged. There are three key features to use regularly: Google Posts, the Q&A section, and Messaging.

Use Google Posts Like a Mini-Blog

Google Posts are like social media updates that appear directly on your profile. They are perfect for sharing business news, special offers, new products, and upcoming events. Since they expire after seven days (unless it's an event), you should aim to create a new post at least once a week.

Each post allows you to add a photo or video, a description, and a call-to-action button (like "Learn More," "Call Now," or "Shop"). This is free advertising space right where people are making purchase decisions. Use it!

Answer Questions in the Q&A Section

Your customers can ask questions directly on your business profile, and anyone can answer them. It’s vital that you are the first one to respond with accurate information. Monitor this section regularly for new questions. Better yet, proactively seed it with your own FAQs. Think about the most common questions you get asked and post both the questions and answers yourself. This builds a helpful resource for customers and reduces repetitive service calls.

Enable Messaging for Quick Connections

The messaging feature allows customers to contact you directly from your profile. In a world of instant communication, this is a powerful tool for lead generation. If you turn on messaging, you must be responsive. Google tracks your response time, and a fast response rate can improve your visibility. Treat these messages like you would a phone call from a new customer.

Step 4: Build Authority Beyond Your GMB Profile

Prominence isn’t just about what’s on your profile, it’s about what the rest of the web says about you. Strengthening your off-page signals reinforces your credibility in Google’s eyes.

Create Consistent Local Citations

A "citation" is any online mention of your business's Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP). These appear in local business directories like Yelp, Tripadvisor, and industry-specific sites. Google uses these citations to verify your business information. The key is consistency. Make sure your NAP is identical across every platform, down to the last detail ("St." vs. "Street"). Inconsistencies can confuse Google and hurt your ranking.

Embed a Google Map on Your Website

This is a simple but effective signal that connects your website directly to your physical location. Go to Google Maps, search for your business, click "Share," and then "Embed a map." Copy the HTML code and place it on your website’s contact page. This helps Google solidify the connection between your most important digital asset (your website) and your business profile.

Tie it Together with Social Media

Link your social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) from your website. Share news, photos, and updates that are consistent with what you’re posting on your Google Business Profile. When you create a GMB post about a new offer, share it on your other social channels too. This creates a cohesive online presence and shows Google that your business is active and engaged across multiple platforms, further boosting your prominence.

Final Thoughts

Ranking higher on Google My Business doesn't require secret tricks, it requires a commitment to a few fundamental practices. Building a complete and accurate profile, encouraging and responding to customer reviews, and actively using features like Posts and Q&A will give you a major advantage over competitors.

We know how much work goes into managing an effective online presence, especially when you’re juggling different platforms. We built Postbase to streamline social media management, so you can schedule all your posts across every platform in minutes. That frees up more of your valuable time to focus on critical tasks like engaging with Google reviews and answering customer questions - the very activities that help your business thrive in local search.