How to Promote Business on Google Maps (Without the Confusion)

Learn how to promote your business on Google Maps. This guide covers tips, common mistakes, and strategies to boost your visibility and attract more local customers.

Mousa Abumazin

12/21/202411 min read

Figuring out how to promote business on Google Maps can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. But here’s the thing: getting your business to stand out on Google Maps isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up the right way. Whether you’re running a barbershop, an auto detailing shop, plumbing service, or any other service-based business, being visible on Google Maps can bring more customers right to your door.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down step by step—no jargon, no fluff—just practical tips to help your business shine online.

Key Benefits of Google Maps for Your Business

Why Google Maps Is Essential for Your Business

Increased Visibility for Local Searches ✅

When someone searches for “auto detailing near me” or “barbershop open now,” a well-optimized listing can place your business in the highly visible Local Pack or at the top of Google Maps. This leads to more clicks, calls, and visits for your business.

Building Trust with Potential Customers ✅

A professional-looking Google Maps listing, complete with accurate business details, photos, and reviews, signals to potential customers that you’re a reliable option. People trust businesses with detailed profiles and strong reviews over those with incomplete or outdated information، I do too!

Captures Mobile Customers ✅

In today’s mobile-driven world, customers are often searching for services while on the go. With Google Maps, they can:

Get instant directions to your business 📍
Click to call you directly from their phone 📞
View your operating hours and read reviews ⭐️

Leveling the Playing Field ✅

Even small businesses like window tinting shops or local repair services can compete with bigger chains. Google Maps prioritizes relevance, proximity, and quality over ad spend. A small but well-optimized business can outrank larger competitors in local searches.

Enhances Your Online Presence ✅

Google Maps integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem, and when I say Google's ecosystem I mean all Google's other products , including search, ads, and voice search. This means your Maps listing can help boost your overall online visibility, making it easier for customers to find you wherever they search.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

An optimized Google Maps profile doesn’t just help customers find you—it also helps you stand out. Businesses that actively manage their listings often see a noticeable impact.

To promote your business on Google Maps organically aka for free, the first step is to create and verify your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This profile is what powers your business visibility on Google Maps. This free tool ensures your business appears on Google Maps and in local search results, making it easier for more potential customers to find you.

How to Set Up and Verify Your Google Business Profile

Step 1: Create Your Google Business Profile

Visit Google Business Profile: Go to Google Business Profile and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, create one—it’s free.
Enter Your Business Details: Fill in the basic information like:
- Business name (make sure it matches your signage and branding).
- Business address or service area (for businesses like car detailing, list the areas you serve).
- Business category (choose the most accurate category, like “Barbershop”, “Auto Detailing” or "Dentist).
Pin Your Location on the Map: If your business has a physical location, you’ll be asked to drop a pin on Google Maps to ensure customers can find you easily. This is important, so try to put it at the exact location as much as you can.

Step 2: Add Accurate Business Details

Providing complete and consistent information builds trust with customers and improves your visibility on Google Maps. Be sure to at least include:

Phone Number: Use a local number to increase credibility and match it across all online platforms.
Website URL: Link directly to the most relevant page (e.g., services or booking page).
Operating Hours: Include special hours for holidays or seasonal changes.
Services: Be detailed—if you’re an auto detailing shop, specify offerings like “Interior Detailing” or “Ceramic Coating.”
Attributes: Highlight features like “Wheelchair Accessible” or “Free Wi-Fi” to attract specific audiences.

Step 3: Verify Your Business

Google Business verification confirms your business exists and is operated by you. As for now, you can choose one of these methods:

Postcard by Mail: Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once received (5–7 days), enter the code in your Google Business Profile.
Phone or Email Verification: If eligible, Google may offer instant verification through a call or email.
Video Verification: You’ll conduct a live video call with a Google representative, showing your storefront, signage, and workspace. This is common for service-area businesses without a physical storefront.
Bulk Verification: If you manage 10 or more locations, you can verify them all at once.

Step 4: Customize Your Profile for Maximum Impact

After verification, take these steps to make your profile stand out:

Upload Photos and Videos: Add pictures of your storefront, team, or services in action (e.g., a barber mid-fade). Listings with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website.
Write an Engaging Business Description: Use clear, compelling language to describe what you do. For example:
“We’re Atlanta’s premier barbershop offering precision haircuts, hot towel shaves, and a welcoming atmosphere. Book your appointment today!”
Add Regular Updates: This is a crucial tool that many businesses overlook. Regularly post updates about promotions, new services, or events to keep your listing fresh and engaging. Consistency is key to staying top-of-mind for potential customers.

Success Story

Lux Barbershop in Atlanta saw significant growth after optimizing their Google Maps listing. By adding fresh photos, responding to reviews, and updating their operating hours, their walk-ins increased by 27%, and calls from Google Maps surged by 35%. This simple effort turned their listing into a powerful marketing tool.

+27%

+35%

Calls

Walk-ins

Creating your Google Business Profile is just the beginning. To truly stand out on Google Maps, your listing needs to be optimized for visibility and engagement. Here’s how to make sure your business ranks higher in local map searches and attracts more customers.

Optimizing Your Google Maps Listing for Maximum Visibility

Step 1: Refine and Enhance Your Business Information

Actually Google rewards businesses that provide detailed and consistent information. It’s not just about filling in the basics let's go a step further to make your profile stand out:

Use keywords in your business description and services. For example, a plumber might include “emergency plumbing services near me,” while a Roofing business could highlight “Slate roofing in Cleveland.”
Highlight unique features such as awards, certifications, or specialties like “24-hour locksmith services” or “family-friendly dining.”
Regularly update special hours for holidays or seasonal changes to keep customers informed.

Step 2: High-Quality Photos and Videos

Your photos can make or break a potential customer’s first impression. More high quality photos means more clicks and calls. So Upload:

Clear images of your storefront, interior, exterior, business logo, and offers.
Use videos to show your products, workspace, or services in action (e.g., a freshly baked loaf of bread, a cozy waiting area, or a finished landscaping job).
Include pictures of your team, as people (me included) like to see the faces behind a business.
If applicable, before-and-after shots can work well for businesses like home improvement or cleaning services.

Step 3: Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews play a big (Gigantic) role in helping people decide whether to trust your business. Google makes it easy to collect reviews by providing a direct review link in your Business Profile. Simply copy the link and share it with your customers.

Politely ask happy customers to leave a review. For example, you could include a reminder on invoices or receipts.
Respond to all reviews! Yes! all of them, even the one with just stars and no text! Thank people for the positive ones and address any concerns professionally. For example, a restaurant might reply, “We’re so glad you enjoyed our Sunday brunch. We hope to see you again soon!”
Use keywords in responses and add details when replying. For example, if a customer mentions a service, include it in your response: “We’re glad you liked the car wash and detailing package!”

Step 4: Choose Categories and Add Services

Selecting the right categories helps people find your business more easily.

Pick a main category that best describes what you do (e.g., “Auto Repair Shop,” “Beauty Salon,” or “Accounting Service”).
Add more specific services to help customers know what to expect, like “oil changes,” “facials,” or “small business tax prep.”

Step 5: Use Google Posts to Keep Your Profile Fresh

Regular updates show customers that your business is active and engaged. Not just that! Google will rewards you and make your business profile rank higher when people search for your services. Post about:

Promotions: For example, “10% off all HVAC services this month!”
Updates: Share new products, seasonal offerings, or events like “Wine Tasting Night” or “Free Tax Consultation Days.”
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give customers a |sneak a peak" into your operations, like prepping for a special event or introducing a new team member.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Managing your Google Maps presence doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve helped hundreds of local businesses in the U.S. get results. Contact us now and ask about our Map Advertising Package

GET STARTED

While optimizing your Google Business Profile can boost visibility, using Google Maps Ads is a great way to reach even more customers, especially in competitive markets. These ads allow your business to appear at the top of search results on Google Maps, making it easier for people to find you when they’re searching for services or products you offer.

Promoting Your Business Through Google Maps Ads

How Google Maps Ads Work

Google Maps Ads are part of Google Ads. When someone searches for a business like yours, your ad will appear in a premium position—at the top of the search results or highlighted directly on the map. For example, if someone in Cleveland searches “coffee shop near me,” your ad can help your café stand out from the crowd.

Benefits of Google Maps Ads

✅ Instant Visibility: Your business gets prime placement above organic search results.
✅ Target Local Customers: Ads let you focus on specific areas, making it easier to attract customers nearby.
✅ Custom Budgets: You can set a daily budget that fits your goals and scale up as needed.
✅ Call-to-Action Options: Ads include buttons for directions, calls, or website visits, giving customers instant ways to connect with you.

How to Set Up Google Maps Ads

Create a Google Ads Account: Visit Google Ads and sign up if you don’t already have an account.
Set Up a Local Campaign: Choose a campaign goal, like driving visits to your physical location or calls to your business.
Choose Your Target Area: Focus on the city, zip codes, or specific radius where your customers are located.
Write an Eye-Catching Ad: Use concise, engaging language that highlights your services and any special offers (e.g., “Free Consultation for Tax Services This Week!”).
Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend daily. You can start small and adjust as you see results.
Launch and Monitor Your Campaign: Use Google Ads reports to track clicks, calls, and visits generated by your ads.

Pro Tip: Pair Ads with a Great Listing

Google Maps Ads can bring more people to your profile, but success depends on what they find when they get there. A complete, engaging listing with accurate details and great photos makes all the difference. With over 9 years of experience in managing Google Ads and local SEO, I’ve seen firsthand how the right combination of ads and an optimized profile can turn clicks into loyal customers.

Even with a great Google Business Profile, certain mistakes and missteps can hold back your visibility and customer engagement. Here are the most common mistakes businesses make on Google Maps and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Google Maps

1. Incomplete Business Profiles ❌

Leaving out some key details like operating hours, phone numbers, or a description can frustrate potential customers and hurt your business ranking on google maps and search engine. Always make sure your profile is 100% complete and regularly updated.

2. Ignoring Reviews ❌

Not responding to reviews (Yes! especially negative ones) can give the impression that you don’t value customer feedback. Take the time to reply to all reviews, showing appreciation for positive ones and addressing complaints professionally.

3. Using Poor-Quality Photos ❌

Blurry, cropped in a bad way, or irrelevant images can turn customers away. Invest in high-quality photos that showcase your business, services, and team. Good visuals build trust and attract more customers.

4. Neglecting to Post Updates ❌

Google rewards active business profiles. If you’re not using the “Posts” feature to share promotions, updates, new products, or events, you’re missing out on a chance to engage customers, boost your visibility and of course to rank your business higher

5. Inconsistent Information Across Platforms ❌

If your business name, address, or phone number (NAP) differs on your website, social media, and Google Maps, it can confuse customers and hurt your credibility. Always ensure consistency across all platforms.

6. Failing to Optimize for Keywords ❌

If your profile descriptions and service details don’t include the terms people search for, like “HVAC repair near me” or “best bakery in Cleveland,” you could miss out on valuable traffic. Include relevant keywords naturally in your content.

7. Ignoring Data and Analytics ❌

Google provides valuable insights, like how people find your profile and what actions they take. Failing to monitor and adjust based on this data means you’re missing opportunities to improve your performance.

1. How do I get my business to show up on Google Maps?

To appear on Google Maps, you need to create and verify a Google Business Profile. Fill out your profile completely, including your address, business category, and operating hours. Once verified, keep your profile active with regular updates and reviews.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about getting your business noticed on Google Maps:

FAQs About Promoting Your Business on Google Maps

2. Is it free to list my business on Google Maps?

Yes, creating and maintaining a Google Business Profile is completely free. However, if you want to appear in paid ad spots on Google Maps, you’ll need to set up a Google Ads campaign with a budget.

3. Why isn’t my business showing up in search results?

This can happen for several reasons:

Your profile may not be verified yet.
Your profile might lack enough information or keywords relevant to what people are searching for.
You could be in a highly competitive area, where other businesses have better-optimized profiles.

4. How do reviews affect my ranking on Google Maps?

Reviews are a critical factor for Google Maps rankings. Businesses with more positive reviews tend to rank higher and attract more clicks. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond to all feedback to build trust and engagement.

5. How do I promote my business on Google Maps for free?

Start by creating and verifying your Google Business Profile. Ensure your profile is fully filled out, including your business hours, services, and photos. Regularly update your profile with posts and respond to reviews to keep it active and engaging.

6. How do I improve my business ranking on Google Maps?

To rank higher on Google Maps, focus on three things:

Fill out your profile completely.
Collect positive reviews from happy customers.
Keep your profile active by regularly updating it with posts, photos, and promotions.

Still Have Questions?

Navigating Google Maps and optimizing your profile can feel overwhelming at times.
If you have more questions or need advice tailored to your business, we’re happy to help. Reach out anytime! Contact us to get the answers you need.