Local SEO on Google Maps: the guide to climbing the ranks
When a customer searches "italian restaurant near me" or "plumber Lyon", Google first shows a map with three businesses. Being one of those three changes everything: that's where a large share of calls, directions and visits happen. Here's how to get there, for the long run.
Google's 3 criteria
Google explains it in its help for business owners: local ranking rests on three criteria.
- Relevance: does your listing match what the customer is looking for? Well-chosen categories, a clear description of your services, up-to-date information.
- Distance: how far are you from the person searching? You can't change it, but a listing and website that clearly mention your town and neighbourhood help on searches that include them.
- Prominence: how many reviews do you have, how often, with what rating? Is your business mentioned elsewhere (local press, directories, blogs)? Is your listing active (photos, updates)?
Optimising your Google listing in under an hour
- A precise main category ("Italian restaurant" rather than "Restaurant"), plus a few relevant secondary categories.
- A clear description (750 characters max) saying what you do and where, naturally, without stuffing keywords.
- Exact opening hours, including public holidays and exceptional closures.
- Recent photos: outside, inside, products or work, team. Add them regularly rather than all at once.
- Regular updates: an offer, an event, something new.
- Attributes: terrace, wheelchair access, payment methods, wifi… Each one helps Google show you to the right people.
The Google listing optimiser, included with every Voxtya module, tells you what's missing on yours and how to fix it.
The role of your website
Google checks that your listing and website say the same thing: same name, same address, same hours. A clear website, fast on phones, with your business details in a format Google understands, strengthens your listing. Voxtya websites do this automatically, plus an English version and a sitemap sent to search engines.
What about assistants like ChatGPT?
ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity rely on the same public information: your listing, your reviews, your website, what other sites say about you. Working on local SEO is therefore also working on what AI assistants answer when asked for "a good restaurant nearby". That's what the Local SEO module, coming soon, will track.
How long does it take?
There's no guaranteed timeline: it depends on your town, your trade and your competitors. Generally, the first effects of a complete listing and regular reviews show within a few weeks, and a strong position on a highly competitive search takes several months of steady effort. The key: don't stop.
Learn more: the free audit of your Google listing · the Google listing optimiser · review collection · the website · our pricing