How to rank higher on Google Maps and in local search

Google says local results on Maps and Search are mainly based on three factors. It keeps the details of its algorithm confidential, so it doesn't say how they're weighted.

• If a searcher doesn't share their location, Google uses what it knows about it to work out distance.

Source: Google Business Profile Help: Tips to improve your local ranking on Google, checked 15 October 2026

These are the tips on Google's own local ranking page, in its order:

1. Verify your business. Google says a verified profile is more likely to appear in results.
2. Complete your profile: your full address if customers can visit, opening hours including special hours, your business category and attributes such as parking or Wi-Fi.
3. Reply to reviews, and ask customers for more of them.
4. Add photos and videos that show what you offer.
5. If you're a retail shop in an eligible country, add your in-store products so they can appear in local results.

Source: Google Business Profile Help: Tips to improve your local ranking on Google, checked 15 October 2026

Everything below is under Edit profile. Google reviews changes before they go live.

• Category: your first category is your primary one, and you can add up to 9 more. Google says not to use categories as keywords or to describe features.
• Description: up to 750 characters on what you offer and what makes you different, with no links.
• Phone number: use a local number that connects to that location rather than a central call centre, where you can.
• Website: enter the full address, including https://, and make sure your site doesn't block Googlebot.
• Address: one profile per location, at a real address with permanent signage if you show it to customers.

Sources: Google Business Profile Help: Edit your Business Profile, checked 15 October 2026; Google Business Profile Help: Guidelines for representing your business on Google, checked 15 October 2026

Google is direct about some of these:

• Paying Google. Its ranking page says there's no way to request or pay for a better local ranking.
• Using categories as keywords. Google's editing guidance says not to.
• A second profile for the same location. The guidelines allow one page per location, and P.O. boxes and virtual offices aren't eligible.
• Turning the description into an advert. Google says it should focus on the business, not promotions, prices or sales.

Sources: Google Business Profile Help: Tips to improve your local ranking on Google, checked 15 October 2026; Google Business Profile Help: Edit your Business Profile, checked 15 October 2026; Google Business Profile Help: Guidelines for representing your business on Google, checked 15 October 2026

Check these before assuming something is wrong:

• The profile isn't verified yet. Google says verification makes it more likely to appear.
• The searcher is far away. Distance is one of the three factors, so a nearby competitor can rank first for someone close to them.
• Details are missing or vague. Relevance depends on complete information.
• Your edits are still in review. Google says changes usually take about 10 minutes but can take up to 30 days.
• You've hidden your address. Your profile then shows only your service area, which Google says is right for businesses that don't serve customers at their address.

Sources: Google Business Profile Help: Tips to improve your local ranking on Google, checked 15 October 2026; Google Business Profile Help: Manage your business address, checked 15 October 2026

Disclosure: this is our product. Google's tips are mostly about keeping your profile complete and active. Zolyp writes and designs Google Business updates and events in your brand's style and publishes them to your connected profile once you approve. There's a 3-day free trial, no card required.