Why Google Maps Rankings Matter More Than Ever

Posted on August 14, 2025

When local customers search for products or services, they often start on Google Maps. Ranking high there can mean more calls, visits, and sales for your business, particularly if you serve a specific geographic area. In 2025, competition is fierce, and simply having a Google Business Profile is not enough. You need a clear, proven strategy to rise to the top.

At McKinley AI Solutions Group, we help businesses dominate local search by combining SEO expertise with data-driven optimization. Here is our step-by-step process to get you noticed on Google Maps.

Step 1: Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of your Maps ranking.
Action:

• Fill out every section: business name, address, phone, website, and hours.
• Add high-quality photos and videos of your business.
• Select the correct business category and relevant subcategories.
  How We Help: We set up and optimize your profile to meet Google’s latest guidelines, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Step 2: Target the Right Local Keywords

To rank higher, you need to know what local customers are searching for.
Action:

• Research keywords with your location (for example, “Seattle HVAC repair” or “Tukwila coffee shop”).
• Use these keywords naturally in your business description, posts, and reviews.
  How We Help: Our SEO team identifies high-traffic local keywords and integrates them into your profile for maximum impact.

Step 3: Collect and Respond to Reviews

Google favors businesses with frequent, high-quality reviews.
Action:

• Ask happy customers to leave reviews.
• Respond to every review, positive or negative, to show engagement.
  How We Help: We create an automated system to request and manage reviews without annoying your customers.

Step 4: Post Regular Updates

Google rewards active profiles.
Action:

• Publish weekly posts about promotions, events, or new products.
• Use photos, videos, and links to your site.
  How We Help: We automate your posting schedule so your profile always looks active without adding to your workload.

Step 5: Build Local Citations and Backlinks

Google cross-checks your business information across the web.
Action:

• Ensure your name, address, and phone number are consistent everywhere.
• Get listed on reputable local directories.
  How We Help: We build quality citations and local backlinks that boost your credibility and rankings.

Get Found by More Local Customers Starting Now

If your business is not showing up in the top 3 results on Google Maps, you are losing customers to competitors. At McKinley AI Solutions Group, we handle every step, from profile optimization to ongoing ranking strategies, so you can focus on running your business.

Let’s put your business on the map, literally.
📞 Contact us today for a free local SEO and Google Maps ranking audit.