How to Rank Your Google Business Profile Higher in 2025

Introduction

If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably asked yourself: How do I rank higher on Google Maps? or How can I improve my Google Business Profile (GBP) ranking? With more customers using Google Maps to find local businesses, ranking higher is essential for visibility, credibility, and increasing leads.

Google Maps is no longer just a navigation tool—it’s a powerful search engine for local businesses. In 2025, Google’s ranking factors have become even more sophisticated, making it crucial to follow the best SEO practices.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to rank in Google Maps, including:

• The latest Google Maps ranking factors
• Step-by-step optimization strategies
• Google Maps rank tracking tools
• Actionable tips to improve your Google Maps ranking
• Common mistakes to avoid

By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete roadmap to rank higher on Google Maps and dominate your local market.

Why Google Maps Ranking Matters in 2025

Google Maps is where 46% of all Google searches happen. When users look for a “dentist near me” or “best café in Kuala Lumpur”, Google displays a list of businesses on Google Maps’ Local Pack.

The Local 3-Pack – Your Digital Real Estate

The Google Maps Local 3-Pack is the top section of search results displaying three businesses near the user’s location. Securing a spot here dramatically increases website traffic, calls, and store visits.

📌 Fact: Studies show that 78% of local mobile searches result in an offline purchase within 24 hours.

Ranking higher on Google Maps is not optional—it’s a necessity for any local business looking to grow in 2025.

Google Maps Ranking Factors in 2025

Google determines Google Maps rankings based on three primary factors:

1. Relevance – How well your business matches a search query.
2. Distance – How close your business is to the searcher.
3. Prominence – How well-known and credible your business is.

Additional Google Maps Ranking Factors

To rank higher on Google Maps, you need to optimize these elements:

✅ Google Business Profile Optimization (Name, category, description, services)
✅ Reviews & Ratings (More positive reviews = higher trust)
✅ NAP Consistency (Name, Address, Phone number)
✅ Website Authority & SEO (Your website’s SEO affects your GBP ranking)
✅ Local Citations (Directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Yellow Pages)
✅ Engagement (User interactions like calls, clicks, and photo views)

Let’s explore how to optimize each factor.

How to Rank Higher in Google Maps – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of your Google Maps ranking. Follow these steps to optimize it:

✔ Claim & Verify Your Listing – Visit Google Business Profile and verify ownership.
✔ Choose the Right Categories – Be specific about your industry.
✔ Write a Detailed Business Description – Include relevant keywords naturally.
✔ Add High-Quality Photos & Videos – Listings with images get 35% more clicks.
✔ Keep Your Information Updated – Update holiday hours, services, and contact details.

2. Get More Positive Reviews

Reviews are one of the most influential Google Maps ranking factors. Businesses with a higher volume of positive reviews rank better.

How to Get More Google Reviews:

• Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews.
• Offer an incentive (discounts, freebies).
• Respond to all reviews, even negative ones.
• Use QR codes on receipts or email signatures to direct customers to your review page.

⭐ Pro Tip: Google prioritizes businesses with 4.5-star ratings or higher.

3. Optimize for Local Keywords & Geotags

Using local keywords in your Google Business Profile and website helps you rank higher on Google Maps.

Where to include local keywords:

• GBP description (“Best digital marketing agency in Kuala Lumpur”)
• Blog content (“How to rank in Google Maps for businesses in Penang”)
• Location pages (“Car repair services in Johor Bahru”)
• Customer reviews (“I had the best experience at this dentist in Shah Alam!”)

🔍 Example Local Keyword: “How to improve Google Maps ranking for restaurants in Subang Jaya.”

4. Build High-Quality Local Citations

A local citation is any online mention of your business, including directories, social media, and review sites. These help Google verify your legitimacy.

📍 Best Local Citation Sites for Malaysian Businesses:

• Yelp
• TripAdvisor
• Yellow Pages Malaysia
• Foursquare
• Malaysia SME Business Directory

Ensure NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone Number) across all listings.

5. Add a Google Map to Your Website

Including a Google Map on city pages or your contact page signals Google that your business is relevant to a specific location.

🚀 How to Embed Google Maps on Your Website:

1. Go to Google Maps and search for your business.
2. Click on “Share” → “Embed a Map.”
3. Copy and paste the HTML code onto your website.

Tracking Your Google Maps Rank

Monitoring your Google Maps ranking ensures you stay ahead of competitors.

Best Google Maps Rank Tracking Tools

📊 BrightLocal – Local rank tracking & citation management
📊 SEMrush – Tracks local search positions
📊 Google Search Console – Monitors search performance

Common Mistakes That Hurt Google Maps Ranking

🚫 Not verifying your GBP – Unverified listings don’t appear in search results.
🚫 Inconsistent NAP details – Confusing Google and customers.
🚫 Keyword stuffing – Can lead to penalties.
🚫 Ignoring bad reviews – Negative reviews can damage your ranking.
🚫 Lack of engagement – Businesses with regular updates and interactions perform better.

Conclusion: Rank Higher on Google Maps in 2025

Ranking higher on Google Maps is not just about luck—it requires strategy. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, gathering positive reviews, using local keywords, and maintaining accurate citations, you can dominate your local market.