Google Business Profile SEO Tricks: Rank #1 on Google Maps in 2025
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters More Than Ever
If your business isn't in the top 3 spots on Google Maps, you're basically invisible. Nearly 99% of people never scroll past the first page—so if your phone isn’t ringing, it’s probably because your Google Business Profile (GBP) isn’t pulling its weight.
Luckily, you don’t need to be an SEO guru to fix this. You just need the right playbook. Let’s dive in.
Install These Two Free Tools First
Before you touch your listing, grab two free Chrome extensions that’ll make this 10x easier:
- GMB Everywhere: See hidden competitor insights—like category choices, review velocity, and more.
- PlePer Chrome Extension: Adds a popup to Google Maps showing powerful competitor data and service/category usage.
Install both, then open Google Maps and search your primary keyword. These tools give you the blueprint for what’s working in your niche.
Your Business Name: The Keyword Loophole
Want a near-instant ranking boost? Add your main keyword to your business name.
The catch: Google technically requires that your business name match what’s on your storefront or legal documents. But many businesses add terms like “Plumbing” or “Roofing” without consequence.
To play it safe:
- If you're just starting out, pick a name that includes your service + city, e.g., “Westside Roofing Dallas.”
- Already established? File a DBA (Doing Business As) with your county or state to legitimize the new name.
Don’t want to mess with DBAs or filings? Let us help you instead.
Nail Your Primary Category (and Use All 9 Secondary Ones)
Your primary category is one of the biggest ranking factors in Google Maps.
Here’s how to choose the best one:
- Search your keyword in Maps
- Use GMB Everywhere to see what categories your competitors are using
- Pick the most specific one that matches your top service
Example: If you're a dentist focused on implants, "Dental Implants Periodontist" may beat the broader "Dentist" category.
Then, add up to 9 secondary categories—ones that support your main offering without confusing Google.
Pro Tip: Offer seasonal services like snow removal or lawn care? Update your primary category seasonally for better results.
Want someone to check your categories and site for you? We’ve got your back.
Add Custom Services (and Support Them With Content)
Once your categories are set, Google will suggest services to add to your profile. These show up in searches like “pipe leak repair near me” or “haircut in O’Fallon.”
Here’s what to do:
- Go to your Google Business dashboard
- Click Edit Services
- Accept any relevant suggestions
- Add your own custom services (especially niche ones Google misses)
Now here’s the trick: write website content about these services. Google loves consistency. Even a 300-word service page or blog post can help your GBP rank.
If this is already starting to sound like too much… reach out here.
Google Reviews: What Really Matters in 2025
Google reviews are not just about trust—they’re a ranking signal.
Here's what moves the needle:
- ⭐ Average rating (aim for 4.7+)
- 📈 Number of reviews
- 🆕 Freshness (new reviews = better rankings)
- ⚡ Review velocity (steady growth shows Google you're active)
Use GMB Everywhere to see your competitors’ month-by-month review growth.
Set goals to beat their pace, and ask happy customers every week. Text-based review requests work best—use a link with your shortname (e.g., g.page/yourbiz/review).
Still not getting reviews? We automate this for clients. Let’s talk about it.
Business Hours Strategy (Yes, It Affects Your Rankings)
Surprise: your open hours affect your local ranking in real-time.
If your listing says you're closed and your competitor is open, Google may hide your profile—even if you're the better business.
Use PlePer’s Business Hours tab to see when competitors are open.
Tactical ideas:
- Stay open later than competitors
- Be open on weekends or Mondays when others aren’t
- For trades/services, consider listing “24/7” availability if you answer calls
But be honest. Don’t list 24/7 hours if no one will pick up at 2 AM.
Want help figuring this out? Space Age Mediaworks can audit your listing.
Optimize the Linked Website Page
Linking to your homepage from GBP is not enough. That page has to actually work for you.
Checklist for a strong landing page:
- Use local keywords naturally (in headers and body)
- Match Name, Address, Phone (NAP) exactly with your GBP
- Include detailed service info
- Make sure it’s mobile-friendly, fast, and engaging
Pro tip: see what page your top competitors are linking to. If they’re outranking you, their content may be doing more work.
We build these pages all the time—click here if you’d rather hand it off.
Attributes: An Easy Win That Most Ignore
Attributes help customers and boost your relevance in searches.
Examples:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free WiFi
- Women-owned business
- Online appointments
To edit:
- Go to Edit Profile → More
- Add every attribute that applies
Check your competitors’ attributes using the PlePer Attributes tab. Match and improve.
⚠️ Caution: If you don't offer online booking, don't enable it. Sometimes these features hide your more valuable ones.
Avoid the Fast-Track to Suspension
Making multiple major changes to your profile at once can trigger a suspension.
Avoid doing all this at once:
- Changing name, category, and website in the same day
- Swapping hours and attributes at the same time
Pace your updates:
- Do name/DBA changes
- Wait a week
- Then update categories, hours, services
If you get suspended, it can take weeks to recover—and you’ll lose ranking momentum.
Need help fixing or protecting your listing? That’s what we do.
Final Summary
Ranking on Google Maps isn’t magic—it’s a system. And if you follow these steps:
- Analyze competitors with free Chrome tools
- Use smart naming and categories
- Add and support niche services
- Collect reviews with a steady rhythm
- Optimize your site and hours
- Stack your attributes
- Update your listing safely
…you can climb to the top of the local pack, where the leads are waiting.
If this feels overwhelming—or you simply don’t have time to manage all this—Space Age Mediaworks is ready to help.
