Google Maps SEO: How to Rank Higher and Drive Local Traffic in 2025

Have you ever searched for a nearby coffee shop, hair salon, or auto repair service on your phone — and chosen the one that appeared right at the top of Google Maps?

You’re not alone.

In fact, over 86% of people use Google Maps to find local businesses, and 76% of them visit a business within 24 hours. This simple behavior shift is quietly revolutionizing how customers find and choose services near them — and if you’re not showing up on that map, you’re losing business.

That’s where Google Maps SEO comes in.

As someone who’s spent more than a decade helping businesses make their content not just findable but genuinely useful, I can tell you this: ranking on Google Maps is one of the most powerful, cost-effective local SEO tactics available today.

Let’s break down what it is, why it matters, and exactly how you can get your business to the top of the map results — with steps that are practical, easy to follow, and rooted in what really works in 2025.

What Is Google Maps SEO?

Google Maps SEO is the process of optimizing your business to appear in Google’s local pack — those top 3 results that show up when someone searches for a business “near me” or in a specific location.

Think:
“Plumber in Bondi”
“Best tacos near Surry Hills”
“Emergency dentist Sydney”

If your business isn’t in the top 3 results in that map box, you’re likely missing out on tons of high-intent, ready-to-convert customers.

Quick anecdote:

A local florist in Sydney we once worked with wasn’t showing up at all in Maps results — despite being in a central location. After we optimized their Google Business Profile and built a few citations, their store jumped into the top 3 for “flower delivery Sydney CBD” within six weeks. Their bookings? Doubled.

Why Google Maps SEO Still Matters in 2025

In 2025, location-based search is only becoming more important. With Google’s AI-driven updates and the rising dominance of mobile and voice search, local intent is everywhere.

Here’s what we know:

• 97% of people learn more about a local business online than anywhere else
• 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information
• “Near me” searches have increased by over 200% in the past few years, especially for services like medical clinics, mechanics, and home repairs
  
  

For local business owners, this is a huge opportunity — if you know how to play the game.

How the Google Maps Algorithm Works (2025 Update)

Google doesn’t reveal its full algorithm (no surprises there), but based on studies like the Whitespark Local Ranking Factors report, we know it comes down to three core signals:

1. Relevance

How well your business matches what someone is searching for.

2. Distance

How far your business is from the person doing the search.

3. Prominence

How well-known and reputable your business is online (think reviews, backlinks, mentions, etc.)

Pro Tip: You can’t control a user’s location, but you can influence relevance and prominence — which is where SEO magic happens.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rank Higher on Google Maps

Let’s get practical. Here’s how to improve your visibility in the local map pack.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

This is your starting point. If you haven’t claimed your listing yet, head here and do it. Then:

• Add your correct business name, address, and phone number (this must match your website — more on that later)
• Choose the right primary category (be specific!)
• Write a keyword-optimized, natural-sounding business description
• Add your hours, website, and service areas
  
  

Keep everything accurate and up to date — Google rewards active profiles.

2. Consistency Is King: Nail Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)

Make sure your NAP details are identical everywhere online — your website, directories, social media pages, and especially across major local listings like Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and Yellow Pages.

Even small discrepancies (like “Street” vs. “St.”) can confuse search engines.

3. Collect Real, High-Quality Reviews (and Respond!)

This is a big one.

Reviews are one of the top ranking signals for local SEO. Encourage happy customers to leave Google reviews — and respond to every one, even the not-so-happy ones. Google favors engaged businesses.

“We started asking customers to review us after every job,” says Daniel, a handyman in Parramatta. “Not only did our Maps ranking go up, but we started getting more calls from people who said they chose us because of the feedback.”