Getting listed on Google Maps
6 min
Getting listed on Google Maps starts with creating and verifying a Google Business Profile listing. Once verified, the listing appears on Maps and in local searches. Optimizing listing information, regularly collecting reviews and adding photos are the three main levers for progressing in map results.
Google Maps has become a local search engine in its own right. Millions of users open it directly to find a restaurant, a doctor or a contractor, without going through classic search. Your presence on Maps is a distinct commercial opportunity from your organic SEO.
Creating and verifying your Google Maps listing
Everything starts with creating a Google Business Profile listing on business.google.com. If a listing already exists (created automatically by Google or by a former manager), claim ownership rather than creating a duplicate.
Verifying the listing is mandatory to control its content. Google offers several methods: postal letter with code, phone call, SMS or verification via Google Search Console if your site is confirmed there. Postal verification takes five to ten days.
- Go to business.google.com and sign in with your professional Google account.
- Search for your establishment to avoid creating a duplicate.
- Complete all information before launching verification.
- Choose the fastest verification method available for your profile.
Optimizing the listing for Maps ranking
Ranking in Google Maps obeys the same three criteria as the local pack: relevance, distance and reputation. Optimizing the listing acts directly on relevance and reputation.
Complete every available field: primary and secondary categories, description, hours (including holidays), link to the website, menu or service list, attributes specific to your sector.
Photos and visuals: an underestimated lever
On Google Maps, photos are often the first visual contact with a prospect. They directly influence the click-through rate from the list to your listing and, from there, to your site or your phone.
Users post their own photos on your listing if you have fostered that habit. Discreetly encourage satisfied customers to share their photos. Listings with more than fifteen recent photos benefit from increased visibility in Maps suggestions.
Google Maps listings with more than 15 recent photos generate on average 42% more directions requests according to sector observations from 2025-2026.
Sector studies 2025-2026
Advanced signals for progressing in Maps
Beyond the listing itself, signals from the associated website reinforce local credibility. The address encoded in LocalBusiness schema, the establishment name in title tags and backlinks from recognized local sources (city hall, regional press, chamber of commerce) contribute to Maps ranking.
'Local Guides' and active community contributions on Maps (photos, corrections, answers to questions) generate fresh data that favors your listing in the algorithm. Answering questions asked via Maps is a concrete and often overlooked action.
FAQ
Can you have a Google Maps listing without a physical address?
Yes. Service businesses can hide their address and define a service area in their GBP listing. The listing will appear in local searches for that area, even without a public address.
What to do if someone created a Google Maps listing for your business?
Claim ownership of the listing via Google Business Profile by clicking 'Claim this listing.' Google will ask you to verify your association with the establishment via the standard verification methods.
Are Google Maps reviews and Google Business Profile reviews the same?
Yes, they come from the same system and appear simultaneously on Google Maps and in your establishment's GBP listing. There is only one review base, displayed on both interfaces.