How to rank higher on Google maps 2020

Google Maps ranking depends almost entirely on relevance, distance, and prominence—three factors Google explicitly identifies in its local algorithm. To rank higher, you need to optimize your Google Business Profile (called Google My Business in 2020), ensure your NAP data (name, address, phone) is consistent across the web, and build local citations from relevant directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific sites. The consistency matters more than you'd think—a single inconsistency across web properties can weigh against you. For web designers building client sites, make sure the business schema markup is implemented correctly, as Google pulls much of its local data from structured markup on the website itself. Your client's website should have a dedicated local landing page for each service area they serve, with geo-specific content that mentions the service area naturally, not just stuffed with location keywords.

Prominence is where most agencies miss opportunities. Google measures prominence through backlinks, review quantity and recency, and mentions of the business across the web. This means focusing on getting more Google reviews matters significantly—not just any reviews, but reviews that come in consistently. A business with 10 new reviews per month will typically outrank one with 50 reviews from two years ago. Encourage clients to ask satisfied customers for reviews immediately after completing work. Citations from local news, industry publications, and local business associations also carry weight. If your client is a plumber in Denver, a mention in a Denver business journal or industry publication helps more than a citation from a national business directory.

Distance is the only factor you can't directly control—Google uses the searcher's location. However, you can optimize for specific neighborhoods or service areas within your client's region by creating location-specific pages and optimizing Google Business Profile attributes for those areas. If your client serves multiple cities, each location should have its own Google Business Profile, each with accurate local information and dedicated reviews. The 2020 algorithm also started weighing user behavior—click-through rates from Maps search results matter. A well-optimized Business Profile with quality photos, complete information, and frequent posts will generate more clicks, which signals to Google that users find it relevant. Photos should be updated regularly and show actual business premises or recent work. This combination of citation building, review generation, and on-page optimization gives you the foundation for higher Maps rankings.