Ranking high in Google Maps is essential for any local business looking to attract nearby customers. Appearing in the Local Pack — the top three business listings that show up alongside a map in search results — can significantly increase traffic, calls, and footfall. While most businesses focus on reviews and profile optimization, there are advanced tactics that can give a competitive edge.

This blog explores 10 underutilized yet powerful strategies for Local Maps Marketing that help improve Google Maps rankings and attract high-intent local traffic. Whether you’re doing this yourself or working with Google Maps marketing companies, these tips will take your visibility to the next level.

1. Use Geo-Fencing to Capture Hyper-Local Interest

Geo-fencing is a digital marketing strategy that targets users within a specific radius around your business location. When local users engage with your ads or visit your website while in this area, Google sees strong local intent, improving your chances of showing up in the Local Pack.

More local engagement = Stronger relevance signals to Google.

Best for: Retail stores, restaurants, and local service providers.

2. Build Branded Search Demand

When users search directly for your business name (e.g., Google Maps Company near me), Google interprets this as a sign of trust and authority. Encouraging branded searches is a powerful yet often ignored local map optimization tactic.

How to drive branded searches:

• Include “Search us on Google Maps” in offline and digital materials.
• Encourage happy customers to search your business name before leaving a review.
• Maintain consistent brand naming across all listings and touchpoints.

3. Encourage Driving Direction Requests

Google tracks how often users click “Get Directions” on your Google Business Profile (GBP). Frequent direction requests show that people are interested in visiting your business physically.

Tips to boost direction requests:

• Add “Get Directions” buttons on your website and thank-you pages.
• Send direction links via SMS or email after inquiries.
• Use QR codes in-store that open Google Maps.

Why it works: More direction clicks = better Google Maps ranking signals.

4. Add a 360° Virtual Tour to Your GBP

Google loves multimedia engagement. A 360° virtual tour of your business location increases trust, keeps users on your profile longer, and signals authenticity to Google.

• Hire a Google Street View Trusted Photographer.
• Upload the tour to your Google Business Profile.
• Embed it on your website and landing pages.

5. Add Local Business Schema Markup to Your Website

Schema markup is structured data that helps search engines better understand your website. Adding the LocalBusiness schema improves the connection between your website and GBP, helping with local map optimization.

Include:

• Business name, type, and services
• Address, phone number, opening hours
• Geo-coordinates and service areas

Benefit: Provides more context to Google for improved GBP ranking.

6. Analyze Local Behavior with Heatmaps

Use tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity to study how local visitors behave on your site:

• Are they clicking on “Get Directions”?
• Are they using the call button?
• Which pages do they exit from?

Optimize your site based on this data to improve user engagement, which positively influences your Google Maps marketing efforts.

7. Report Fake or Duplicate Listings

Many local businesses face visibility issues because of spammy or duplicate listings by competitors. Removing these improves your business’s chances of ranking in the top three results.

How to clean up:

• Use “Suggest an Edit” on incorrect listings.
• Report fake listings via Google’s Redressal Form.

8. Add AI Chatbots to Local Service Pages

An AI chatbot placed on location-specific service pages can:

• Answer common local FAQs
• Direct users to Maps or “Call Now”
• Increase session time and lower bounce rates

These metrics contribute to better local map optimization, improving your ranking.

9. Run a Google Maps Check-in Campaign

Encourage walk-in customers to “check in” on Google Maps and offer them a small incentive. These check-ins indicate real-world visits, which Google considers a high-trust signal.

More verified visits = Better chances to improve Google Map ranking.

How to start: Use in-store signs or digital follow-ups to prompt check-ins.

10. Add Multiple Managers to Your GBP

Adding more team members to manage your Google Business Profile boosts activity. Frequent updates, photo uploads, and responses show Google that the listing is actively maintained.

This ongoing interaction is a strong trust factor for a better GBP ranking.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Local Visibility

Businesses looking to truly compete in local search must go beyond basic GBP setup and review requests. These 10 advanced tactics offer measurable, long-term improvements in your Google Maps marketing strategy.

To recap:

• Use geo-fencing to establish local relevance
• Encourage branded searches and driving directions
• Implement schema and interactive features
• Track user behavior to optimize experience

Whether managed in-house or through professional Google Maps marketing companies, these strategies create strong local intent signals and help improve Google Map ranking significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What’s the fastest way to improve Google Maps ranking?

The fastest way involves a combination of verified profile completion, frequent Google Business Profile (GBP) updates, and consistent engagement signals like new reviews, driving directions, and check-ins. Businesses that integrate advanced local map optimizations, such as schema markup and branded searches, tend to see quicker ranking improvements.

Q2. How do Google Maps marketing companies typically help with rankings?

Most Google Maps marketing companies provide services like:

• Keyword-optimized GBP content
• Review generation strategies
• Listing cleanup and spam reporting
• Heatmap behavior tracking
• Schema markup integration

They specialize in delivering services to rank better in Google local by focusing on signals that influence map-based visibility.

Q3. Can customer reviews alone improve local map ranking?

Reviews help, especially when they include keywords and geographic references. However, reviews alone aren’t enough. Local map optimization also depends on proximity, profile activity, photos, and user behavior like click-to-call or requesting directions.

Q4. Is embedding Google Maps on the website beneficial?

Yes. Embedding your GBP location with a “Get Directions” link enhances location relevance and connects your website to your Google listing. It also encourages local engagement, a factor known to help improve Google Map ranking.

Q5. How often should a business update its Google Business Profile?

Regular updates signal to Google that a listing is active and trustworthy. Adding weekly posts, uploading fresh photos, updating hours during holidays, and responding to reviews all help boost GBP ranking over time.

Q6. What happens if multiple businesses use the same address?

Google may see this as suspicious, especially if the categories or phone numbers overlap. It’s essential to ensure each listing is unique. Suppose spammy or duplicate listings affect your visibility. In that case, they can be reported—a task that Google Maps marketing companies often handle as part of their service to rank better in Google Local. 

Map Ranks

Map Ranks is a local SEO agency that helps businesses get found fast on Google Maps and local pack. Our team specializes in Google Maps Marketing, SEO, and optimization strategies designed to boost your visibility, attract nearby customers, and grow your local presence. We make sure your local business stands out right where it matters; on the map and in front of the people searching for you.