This is a typical map that customers call daily to search locally for goods and services they use. See the green arrow, which they look at in the Google suggested listings of the businesses they are looking for now. I have spoken about this before and must talk about it again, as in 2025, local search in Google has become a cornerstone for businesses. Today, there is a dramatic rise in "near me" searches, and now nearly half of all Google searches have local intent, which has grown by 500% in recent years. It translates directly to sales, as 76% of local searchers visit that business within 24 hours, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase often in an hour. I suggest you go through the complete list of the items on this website I linked to.

Many more people are now searching for local shops on Google. Google Maps Marketing is crucial for enhancing your visibility and customer engagement.

Why Local Search Matters

For example, if a customer searches for "lotto near me," they want a lotto agency near them; almost certainly, this is a potential customer looking to buy. Today, this local search is pivotal in driving foot traffic and sales to shops. We want to target customers with high purchase intent, as 28% of these local searches result in a purchase, often within an hour.

Local search is critical for SMB businesses. You, David, can compete with the Goliaths.

How Google Maps Marketing Works

Google Maps Marketing involves promoting your name in local search results. It requires you to claim your Google Business Profile, ensure consistent business information across the web, and encourage positive reviews to improve your visibility and attract customers.

Setting up your Google Business Profile is the first step in Google Maps Marketing. Make sure your profile is fully completed and is correct. Please ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information. Put in your business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation. It's also important to categorise your business correctly and include relevant services in your business title. The ones you need to categorise are the ones that people are searching for you.

Ready to improve your local visibility? Let us proceed.

Understanding Google Maps Ranking Factors

Let us examine the key factors that influence rankings and why you can, as David, compete with the Goliaths out there.

Firstly, Google Maps is what we call a zero-sum game. That means there are limited spots, and if you are in, someone else is out. So, we need to push the factors that get us in so we get the place.

Now, the three primary factors that determine your spot in Google Maps are:

Relevance

Relevance in Google Maps rankings refers to how well your business matches the customer's request. If I am a potential customer looking for, in this case, lotto, you have lotto. You must ensure that your Google Business Profile lists you with lotto.

To enhance relevance, businesses should focus on the following strategies:

Correct Categorisation

Ensure your business is listed under the most accurate category. Google provides a list of categories that you can choose from when setting up your Google Business Profile.

Keyword Optimisation

Include relevant keywords of your business in your description.

Distance

This one is difficult as there is little you can do about the distance between you and the customer. Distance plays a crucial role in Google Maps positions. The fact is that businesses closer to the search location are more likely to appear in search results. However, distance is balanced with relevance and prominence to show the most relevant results.

Prominence

Prominence is determined by your business's online reputation and offline credibility. It includes positive reviews, high ratings, and mentions online. Being active online does help.

Basic Optimisation Steps

Introduction to Optimisation

Optimising your Google Maps presence is crucial for improving visibility and attracting more local customers. The process involves several key steps that help ensure your business appears prominently in search results. These basic optimisation steps can enhance your online presence and drive more foot traffic to your business.

Claiming your Google Business Profile

Claiming your Google Business Profile is the first step in Google Maps optimisation.

Steps to Claim Your Google Business Profile:

1. Verification Process: Verify your business through Google My Business. This typically involves receiving a phone call from Google. From experience with many of my customers, it is not easy. It often needs to be done a few times until it happens.
2. Complete Profile Information: Ensure your profile includes accurate business information. Double-check your name, address, phone number, and hours of operation.
3. Business Categories: Choose the most relevant categories to improve your business's relevance in search results.
4. High-Quality Photos: Take high-quality photos of your business with your smartphone to enhance visibility and engagement.
5. Description and Keywords: Write a compelling business description with relevant keywords to improve your profile's visibility.

It will take you a few hours of work, but it's worth it.

1. Encouraging Reviews: Encouraging people to review you is critical. Positive reviews improve your visibility in search results and build trust with potential customers. Ask customers to give you some reviews. Do not worry about negative reviews. We all get them. If you are in business, you need to have a thick skin. It goes with the territory.

Need help implementing these changes? Give me a call.

Monitoring and Improving Rankings

Monitoring your local search rankings is essential to understanding how well your business is performing in Google Maps and identifying any needed improvements. While there are tools advertised to provide insights, asking your customers is the most effective way to gauge your progress.

Asking Your Customers

Asking your customers how they found your business is a straightforward, simple and robust method for understanding your local search performance. This approach allows you to gather firsthand information about your visibility. Ask them what they are looking for, what they used and why they picked you.

This way, you will get:

Direct Feedback

Customers can provide direct feedback on how they discovered your business, helping you understand which marketing efforts are most effective.

Personal Connection

Engaging with customers builds trust and strengthens your relationship.

Insights into Search Behavior

Understanding how customers search for businesses like yours can help you better meet their needs.

Questions to Ask:

What Did You Search For?

Ask customers what keywords or phrases they used in Google Maps to find your business. It helps you understand which search terms are most effective for your business.

How Did You Find Us?

Please inquire about the steps they took to find your business.

For example, you might ask a customer: "What did you type into Google Maps to find our lotto shop?"

Do tests

Go to the parking lot near your shop. Now, search Google Maps for your business's services, such as "lotto near me."

What happens, what appears?

Do the same test in another part of your shopping centre, and try again.

Continuous Improvement

Once you get some answers, change your listing till you get it right.

Conclusion

Understanding Google Maps can help you leverage this technology to attract more customers in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Google Maps Marketing? A: Google Maps Marketing involves making your online presence appear prominently in local search results in Google Maps.

Q: Why is Google Maps important for local businesses?

A: Google Maps is crucial for local businesses as customers will use it in 2025. It drives foot traffic and sales and provides a platform for businesses to compete locally. Most importantly, it reaches customers with high purchase intent.

Q: How do I optimise my Google Business Profile?

A: Fill it out; not just 60% of many do. Ensure it is complete with accurate information and has the relevant keywords.

Q: How often should I update my Google Business Profile?

A: Until you bed it down, probably every month, and after that, once every three months just to check it out.

Q: What are the costs associated with Google Maps Marketing?

A: Everything I have said here is free. We can discuss later the paid stuff.

Q: How long does it take to see results from Google Maps? A: Generally, businesses notice improvements within a few weeks.

Here is a secret: why do some local shops attract customers? The answer is that online reviews can make or break a small business in today's digital-first world. Here's the catch: Satisfied customers often exit your store silently, while dissatisfied ones eagerly voice their complaints online. To thrive in today's digital marketplace, motivating content customers to share their positive experiences is crucial. As a store owner, you may ponder effective strategies to encourage happy patrons to spread the word about your business in the digital realm.

Enter the review plaque - a simple yet effective tool that may help.

What Are Review Plaques?

Review plaques are small, smart devices that sit on your counter. They allow customers to quickly leave reviews for your business with a simple phone tap. 

How Do They Work - Local SEO?

The process is straightforward:

1. As a customer completes their purchase.
2. You ask about their shopping experience in your shop.
3. If they're satisfied, you invite them to leave Customer feedback
4. Ask them to tap their mobile on the review plaque if they agree.
5. Their phone opens your Google or Facebook review page
6. Your customer can now immediately write a review on the spot

It's that simple!

The Impact of Review Plaques

Recent studies here have shown impressive results:

One retailer reported jumping from an average of one review per month to a whopping 18 reviews! I am sure it improved their Google My Business ratings.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the advantages and potential drawbacks:

Pros:

Local, authentic reviews - Google and Facebook do not like it if you use fake reviews. Online, they can be ruthless. I had a client thrown right down Google ranking for doing just that.

Limited to in-store use - If they leave the shop, the customer cannot use them.

Cons:

Some customers may be too busy; after all, they are shopping.

Cost-effective

Takes counter space

Timely feedback

Possible customer pushback

Cost

They're relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20 to $80. For the best results, I recommend investing in a quality plaque around the $40 mark - after all, it'll be front and centre on your counter!

The Bigger Picture: Local SEO and Customer Trust

In a world where consumers often search for "newsagent near me" or "pet shop near me," positive reviews can significantly impact your visibility and credibility. Review plaques offer a simple way to encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences, potentially drawing in new shoppers who trust the opinions of their neighbours.

It works for much more than just these industries; for example, I would want to push "POS System near me" or "POS Software near me."

Ready to Give It a Go?

If you decide to try a review plaque in your shop, we'd love your results! Local SEO strategies like this can make a real difference to small retailers, and we're always eager to learn from our customers' experiences.

Have you used review plaques in your shop? Please, you must share your experiences!

Many clients look at the net, throw their hands in the air, and say they cannot get there. 

Now, I admit that a small retailer to rank well in local Google search results may seem daunting. But it is not really. The way Google makes the rules now, David can compete with Goliath. You can gain visibility and attract more local customers searching online with some effort.

The Local Opportunity

• About 28% of all Google searches are looking to buy products or services from local businesses. That's a massive number of customers.

• For most suburb searches, Google initially suggests three local businesses. You want to be one of them!

• Many suburbs don't have much local competition online for your type of business.

The Bottom Line: It is very achievable for a small retailer to do well in their local Google.

What Impacts Your Local Ranking Difficulty

• Competitiveness of your industry in the geographic area

• Strength of existing competitors' SEO and online presence

• Size of the area - suburbs are relatively small

• Your online presence.

The Best First Steps

Do some searches for your key products/services + your suburb name. See what the competition is doing. For example, if you are a newsagency in my suburb, Keysborough you might try. 

"lotto Keysborough"

There is not one big company here; I know some of these people personally; they are smart operators but not major. 

"newsagency Keysborough"

It is the same story with the others I check

"Toys Keysborough"

I decided to look at other products.

"dog food Keysborough"

One big retailer out of three.

My research on the local competition in my suburb shows one small retailer would have a real chance to rank well!

You can gain more visibility and customers in local search results with the right local SEO tactics! It is very doable for small local retailers who put in the effort.