Google Maps Hacks: How Small Businesses Can Steal the Spotlight

Could you use some Google Maps Hacks?

Are you tired of watching those big brands steal the spotlight on Google Maps? Feel like you’re being overshadowed by their massive budgets and flashy resources? Well, what if I told you that they aren’t unbeatable?

In fact, you have a secret weapon they can’t compete with, and you might not even know it yet. Stick around as we show you how you can flip the script and outdo those big competitors, even with only having a fraction of their budget.

Understanding Google’s Ranking Principles

To outshine the giants, you need to first understand how Google decides which businesses should rank at the top of Google Maps. Straight from Google, these decisions boil down to three main principles: relevance, distance, and prominence.

Let’s break these down so you can use them to your advantage.

Relevance: The Key to Matching Google Searches

Relevance refers to how well your Google Business Profile matches what someone is searching for. Google’s looking at your business’s categories, services, photos, posts, reviews—everything you have on your profile.

Real-World Example

Consider an emergency plumber service in Sydney. Someone searches for “Emergency Locksmith near me” at 9 PM. Google needs to decide which businesses match this query:

• Tom’s Plumbing Services:
  • Primary Category: Plumber
  • Secondary Category: Emergency Plumbing Service
  • Listed Services: 24-hour emergency service, 24/7 emergency water leaks
  • Business Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Photos and Posts: Shows emergency services like van photos and recent posts about weekend plumbing emergencies
  • Reviews: Highlight specific emergency instances like “came out on a Sunday”
• Matt’s Plumbing Solutions:
  • Primary Category: Plumber
  • No Secondary Categories
  • No Emergency Services Listed
  • Closed after 6 PM
  • Lack of Specific Content and Reviews on Emergencies

For someone searching for emergency services late at night, Tom’s highly detailed and optimised profile will be considered much more relevant by Google.

TIP: Make sure your profile contains comprehensive, accurate, and targeted information to show up for searches the big players might overlook.

Distance: The Proximity Factor

Distance is straightforward—how close is your business to the person searching?

If someone searches for “coffee shop near me,” Google shows nearby places first. Closer means more likely to be shown, regardless of the brand’s size. While you can’t control your location, there are ways to mitigate the impact of distance.

If you’re an independent coffee shop in a sea of giants, like Gloria Jeans Coffee, Starbucks, or The Coffee Club, you might consider relocating. But if that’s not possible, don’t worry; you can still shine by focusing on prominence.

Prominence: Stand Out by Being Known

Prominence is about how popular or well-known your business is, both offline and online.

“Big names usually pop up at the top of local searches because they’re super recognizable.”

But the good news? You don’t need to be a McDonald’s or a Starbucks. Here’s where your secret weapon comes into play—your connection to the local community.

Big brands can’t compete with personal touches and local knowledge.

Leverage Your Local Advantage

Here’s how you can use your local connection as your secret sauce to beat the big guys:

1. Request Detailed Reviews: Ask customers to specify what they love, like your cozy atmosphere or unique products. These details help you stand out.
2. Engage Personally: Respond to reviews personally. Thank customers by name and mention their purchases to show you care and really give that personal touch.
3. Use Video Reviews: Encourage customers to leave video reviews. These are engaging and can build trust and authenticity.
4. Showcase Community Involvement: Share and promote local events you’re participating in. Post photos and videos showing your business’s community involvement.
5. Regularly Update Visual Content: Share photos and short videos of your business space, products, and staff.
6. Highlight Local Partnerships: If you use local suppliers, mention them. Ask them to link back to your site.
7. Connect With Local Media: Engage with journalists or bloggers covering small businesses. A local feature can boost exposure.
8. Create Hyperlocal Content: Write blogs or make videos about your area. Google loves helpful, locally relevant content.
9. Showcase Personality: People prefer doing business with people, not faceless brands. Use social media to highlight your business’s fun and unique side.
10. Encourage Check-ins: Ask customers to check in on social media when they visit. It helps get your name in front of their followers.

The Path to Local Success

By focusing on these strategies, you’ll not only show Google that your business is relevant, but also become a local favorite. This is your edge over the big brands.

Remember: “The personal touch and local knowledge you bring are things big names just can’t compete with.”

Ready to take these steps and transform your Google Business Profile? Stay tuned for the next post where we’ll give you even more tips to hold that top spot.