The Top 5 Reasons You’re Not Ranking on Google Maps in 2025
If your business isn’t showing up in the top 3 results on Google Maps, you’re missing out on leads. In 2025, local search drives more walk-ins, calls, and form submissions than ever before.
Here’s why your competitors are outranking you — and what to do about it.
1. Your Google Business Profile Is Half-Empty
An incomplete or outdated Google Business Profile is the fastest way to stay invisible.
Fix it:
-
Add business hours, categories, and full description
-
Upload new photos monthly
-
Respond to every review
-
Use your real business name — no spammy keywords
2. You Have No Local Pages
Google rewards businesses that build location-specific content. Sending all traffic to your homepage doesn’t work.
What you need:
-
Location landing pages (e.g., “Plumber in Gateshead”)
-
Local keywords in headings and URLs
-
Unique content, not copy-paste templates
3. No One Mentions You Online
Google’s AI scans the web for brand mentions. If your business isn’t cited on other websites, blogs, or directories, it won’t trust you.
Fix this:
-
Submit your business to local directories
-
Partner with nearby blogs, schools, events
-
Get your name on local news sites and niche blogs
4. You’re Not Getting Real Reviews
Quantity matters. So does quality. Businesses with steady, authentic reviews rank higher.
Quick win:
-
Ask happy customers to leave reviews after every job
-
Provide a short link or QR code
-
Never buy fake reviews — Google is cracking down
5. No Activity on Your Profile
If you haven’t posted on your Google Business Profile in weeks, it shows.
Do this:
-
Post updates weekly (offers, blog posts, events)
-
Add photos of your work, team, or location
-
Treat your GBP like a social profile
Want to Rank Higher in Sunderland, Gateshead, or Durham?
We help local businesses fix all of the above and climb the Google Maps rankings.
No fluff. Just results that bring in leads.
Let’s audit your local SEO today.