How Local Businesses Can Get More Customers from Google Maps
Learn proven strategies to dominate local search and attract more customers through Google Business Profile optimization.
Fascinante Digital Team•Jan 20, 2026Why Google Maps Matters for Local Business
When potential customers search for products or services "near me," Google Maps has become the first touchpoint in their buyer journey. Your Google Business Profile isn't just a listing—it's your digital storefront on the world's most used navigation platform.
Studies show that businesses appearing in the local 3-pack receive 60% of all clicks from local search results. Yet many local businesses leave this opportunity untapped with incomplete profiles, outdated information, or zero optimization effort.
The Foundation: Complete Your Profile
Your Google Business Profile is only as good as the information it contains. Start by ensuring every single field is filled out completely and accurately:
Essential elements to optimize:
- Business name (exact match to your real-world branding)
- Complete address (avoid P.O. boxes for service-area businesses)
- Accurate phone number with click-to-call capability
- Business hours (including holiday hours)
- Website URL
- Business description (keyword-optimized, 750 character limit)
Categories and Services: Speak Google's Language
Google uses your primary category to determine when to show your business in local results. Choose your primary category carefully—it's the single most important ranking factor for local visibility.
Beyond the primary category, add all relevant secondary categories. For a marketing agency, this might include Marketing Agency, Advertising Agency, or SEO Agency.
In the Services section, list each service with a clear title and brief description. Use keywords naturally but prioritize clarity for potential customers.
Reviews: Your Local SEO Currency
Customer reviews influence both search ranking and customer conversion. Google's algorithm considers review quantity, recency, and response rate when ranking local businesses.
Strategy for building reviews:
- Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews
- Respond to every review—both positive and negative
- Include keywords naturally in your responses
- Address concerns publicly, then move conversations offline
Photos: Visual Proof of Quality
Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to websites than those without.
Photo types to include:
- Interior and exterior shots
- Team photos
- Before/after project examples
- Product or service demonstrations