The Google Maps Ranking Factors No One Talks About
When you think about getting your business found online, Google Maps might not be the first thing that pops into your head. But for small businesses—especially those that rely on local footfall or service-area clients—it can be the secret weapon you didn’t know you had.
Sure, you’ve probably heard the basics: set up your Google Business Profile, add your address, get some reviews, maybe post an offer or two.
But what if I told you there are lesser-known ranking factors that could make the difference between showing up in the 3-Pack… or sitting on page 4 wondering where all the customers went?
Let’s dive into the Google Maps ranking factors no one talks about—but absolutely should.
🗺 First Things First: What’s the Point of Ranking in Google Maps?
If someone types in “plumber near me” or “Essex window repairs,” they’re not browsing. They’re buying. And they’re likely to choose one of the top three listings in Google Maps—the "Map Pack"—which shows up before even the regular search results.
That’s prime real estate. And showing up there means:
More visibility
More enquiries
More trust from potential customers
So it’s not just about being on Google—it’s about being high on Google Maps.
🌟 The Obvious Ranking Factors (Just So We're on the Same Page)
Let’s get these out of the way quickly:
Proximity to the searcher – If someone is standing in Romford and Googles “coffee shop near me,” a café in Southend isn’t going to show up.
Google Business Profile completeness – NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number), opening hours, services, website link, etc.
Reviews – The number of reviews and your average star rating.
Category relevance – Choosing the right primary and secondary categories.
These are the “common knowledge” ones. If you’ve already done these—well done! But if you’re still not seeing your business pop up in the top results, the following hidden ranking factors might just be what you’re missing.
🔍 The Google Maps Ranking Factors No One Talks About
1. Consistency in Local Citations
Imagine you’re Google. You want to recommend trustworthy businesses. But one website says a business is in “High St, Brentwood,” another says “High Road,” and a third just says “Brentwood Town Centre.”
Which is it?
💡 Inconsistent citations can damage trust in your location data.
And guess what? Google won’t promote a business if it's unsure where it’s actually based.
✅ Fix it: Use a tool like BrightLocal or manually check local directories (Yell, Thomson Local, Checkatrade, etc.) and make sure your address, phone number, and business name are identical everywhere.
2. The Impact of GBP Name Keywords (But Don’t Overdo It)
Let’s say there’s a dog groomer called "Pawfection" in Chelmsford. Their GBP name is just that: “Pawfection.” Their competitor is called “Fluffy Cuts – Dog Grooming Chelmsford.”
Guess who gets the edge?
Including keywords like service + location in your business name can help—but only if it’s your real-world name.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t keyword-stuff your name unless it’s legally part of your brand. Google can suspend your listing for it.
3. Behavioural Signals (Click, Call, Drive)
This is a juicy one—and rarely mentioned.
Google tracks what people do after seeing your listing:
Do they click to call you?
Do they click for directions?
Do they visit your website?
👀 These user interactions send powerful ranking signals. If lots of people engage with your listing, Google sees you as relevant and trustworthy.
📈 Boost it: Encourage actions. Add a CTA like “Call now for a free quote” or “Book online today” in your business description. Make it easy for users to take the next step.
4. Photos, Videos & Media Engagement
Google loves fresh content—and that includes media. Businesses with lots of high-quality photos tend to rank higher. Not because of the images alone, but because:
People spend longer on your profile
They’re more likely to interact
It feels like a real, active business
📸 Top Tip: Add:
Interior and exterior shots
Team photos
Products and services
Before-and-afters
Short videos (even shot on a phone!)
Even better? Ask customers to upload photos in their reviews. Google notices when others add content.
5. The “Hidden” Influence of Website Quality
Your Google Business Profile might be doing the heavy lifting, but your website is still in the gym.
When people click through from your GBP to your website, Google watches:
How fast does it load?
Does it match what’s on your listing?
Do people stay or bounce?
💡 If your site is slow, outdated, or doesn’t reflect your listed services, you might drop in the rankings—even if your profile is decent.
6. Local Backlinks (Not Just Any Links)
Backlinks are a classic SEO factor—but for Google Maps, local relevance is key.
A link from a local news site, community blog, or chamber of commerce page tells Google: “Hey, this business matters around here.”
🏘 Example: A Brentwood hairdresser featured in an “Essex Mums” blog gets more Maps cred than a backlink from a big international directory.
7. Engagement with Q&A Section
Did you know your Google Business Profile has a Q&A section? Most business owners don’t.
And yet… Google indexes those Q&As. They help with relevance, especially for voice search.
👩💻 You (or your friends!) can ask common questions like:
“Do you offer emergency callouts?”
“Can I book online?”
“Are you open Sundays?”
Then answer them thoroughly. You’re basically adding more keywords and relevance to your listing.
8. “Map Spam” (And How to Beat It)
Map spam is when dodgy businesses create fake locations or keyword-stuffed listings to outrank legitimate ones.
If you’re being outranked by a “business” at a generic office block that clearly doesn’t have a shopfront—you can fight back.
🧹 Report fake listings via the “Suggest an edit” button or the Redressal Form. This helps clean up your area and boosts your own chances.
9. Update Frequency Signals Activity
Google loves an active profile. If your last post or photo was in 2021, it’s not a great sign.
✅ Update your Google Business Profile weekly if possible.
✅ Post updates, offers, or photos (even if nothing’s “new”).
✅ Rotate seasonal content (e.g. Christmas offers, summer services).
Think of it like feeding a pet—you don’t need a feast, but you do need something regularly.
10. Branded Search Volume
This one’s a bit sneaky.
If people search your business name specifically (e.g. “Jacks Plumbing Colchester”), Google thinks: “Hmm, people want this guy.”
That branded search traffic boosts your ranking—not just in Maps but across local results.
📢 So what’s the trick? Get your name out there!
Social media mentions
Offline marketing (flyers, vans, uniforms)
Word-of-mouth
Networking groups
The more people who Google your name, the more Google trusts you.
🚀 Real Story: From Invisible to Map Pack
Let me tell you about Dave, a mobile mechanic from Basildon.
Dave had great reviews. But he wasn’t ranking in Google Maps—and losing business to a fake listing with a PO Box!
After reviewing his profile, we noticed:
His business name didn’t mention “mechanic”
He hadn’t posted anything in over a year
His website was outdated and didn’t match his profile
We:
✅ Updated his business description with clear keywords
✅ Got a few locals to ask and answer Q&A questions
✅ Added fresh team photos and service shots
✅ Cleaned up his old directory listings
Within three weeks? He was back in the 3-Pack. Enquiries doubled. And he finally stopped losing customers to a ghost competitor.
🧠 FAQ: The Google Maps Ranking Factors No One Talks About
Q: How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
A: Aim for once a week—whether it’s a post, photo, or Q&A. Regular updates show Google you’re active and reliable.
Q: Can I just buy reviews to boost my ranking?
A: Please don’t. Google can detect patterns. Fake reviews can be removed, and your profile can get suspended. Focus on getting genuine ones instead.
Q: Does having a website help with Google Maps rankings?
A: Yes! Google uses your site to verify information, assess relevance, and check for trust signals. A well-built, fast website supports your profile.
Q: What if my competitors are using fake locations?
A: Report them. It takes a bit of time, but cleaning up spam helps you rise. Use the Redressal Form to flag it directly with Google.
Q: Do social media links affect Google Maps rankings?
A: Not directly, but if they drive branded search traffic (people Googling your business name), that can indirectly boost your visibility.
🎯 Little Changes, Big Difference
Google Maps isn’t just about pinning your business on a map—it’s a dynamic, competitive space where the tiniest factors can tip the balance.
From Q&As to branded searches to regular updates, these overlooked tweaks could make all the difference to whether you appear when a customer is ready to book.
So if you’ve ticked all the basics but still feel like you’re shouting into the void, it might be time to look deeper—and maybe even get a fresh pair of eyes on your profile.
📞 Ready to Show Up Where It Matters?
At 99 Quid Websites, we specialise in helping small businesses across Essex and beyond boost their visibility—without smoke and mirrors.
If you’re tired of being outranked by dodgy listings or missing out on local leads, get in touch with our Essex SEO company today.
We’ll help you go from invisible to unmissable on Google Maps.
