When I first started optimizing Google Business Profiles (GBPs). I thought it was all about just filling it out and calling it a day.

But after working with over 50+ local businesses (temp agencies, dentists, electricians, you name it).

In this whole process I learned something most people still miss:

The Map Pack is a quick game. And small tweaks win it.

If you’re stuck wondering why your competitors show up in the top 3 on Google Maps and you don’t (this post is your cheat sheet).

Here are 5 Google Business Profile hacks I use to rank businesses in the Map Pack (even without a website).

1. Pick the Right Categories

Picking up a category is around 80% of the game.

Google uses your primary category to understand what your business does.

Now, If you mess this up? You’ll be invisible.

#Exampletime

For a Temp Agency, I’ve tested these:

1. Employment Agency (Primary)
2. Temp Agency
3. Recruiter
4. Labor Contractor (for general labour focus)
5. Warehouse Staffing Agency (this one triggers for “warehouse jobs near me”)

#Hack:

Use a Chrome extension like GMB Everywhere or the PlePer Tool to spy on competitors’ categories. If they’re outranking you, just copy them dude.

2. Upload Photos With Real Names + GeoTags

Google loves fresh, relevant images but you know what? The filename and data behind the image matters alot.

Instead of uploading “IMG_8493.jpg”…

Rename it to: general-labour-temp-agency-mississauga.jpg

Then use GeoImgr.com to geo-tag it to your business location.

Types of Photos to Add Weekly:

1. Office shots
2. Job fairs or staff events
3. Job boards
4. Local landmarks near your office
5. Staff on job sites (with permission)

3. Review Keywords Matter (And You Can Ethically Nudge Them)

This one’s HUGE for local rankings (especially for “near me” and AI Overview visibility).

Google looks at keywords inside reviews.

If you’re a general labour agency in Brampton, and your reviews say:

#Exampletime

“They helped me find a forklift job in Brampton FAST.”
“They were the Best temp staffing agency near me.”

Boom. Those keywords feed the algorithm.

#Hack:

Send review request templates like:

“Hey! Thanks for working with us. If you could mention the type of job or service we helped you with (e.g., warehouse job in Mississauga), that’d be amazing!”

It’s not manipulation (it’s guiding your happy clients).

4. Respond to EVERY Review (Even the Meh Ones)

The most interesting thing about google is that it tracks engagement.

The more active your profile is, the more Google sees you as trustworthy and responsive.

That means when someone leaves a review (good or bad), respond fast.

Templates:

Positive:

“Thanks for trusting our Mississauga team! Glad we could place you quickly”

Negative:

“Sorry to hear that, [Name]. We’d love to fix this, please call us directly and we’ll make it right.”

#Hack:

Use local keywords in responses like “staffing in [City]” or “temp work near [Landmark]” to keep feeding relevance. (Don’t forget this one!)

5. Nail Your Business Description With Location + Services

Too many businesses leave the description section bland and boring.

Here’s what works:

1. Mention what you do
2. Mention who you help
3. Mention where you serve
4. Drop in 2–3 target keywords naturally

Example (for a Temp Agency in Mississauga):

“We’re a general labour and warehouse staffing agency based in Mississauga, helping employers find reliable temp workers across the GTA. Whether you need forklift drivers, packers, or office staff, we’ve got qualified talent ready to go.”

Keep it real. Just clarity. And that’s it!

Bonus one: Post Weekly

Post short updates using the “What’s New” or “Offers” post feature. Google sees this as activity and freshness.

Post ideas like:

“Now Hiring: Forklift Operators in Brampton ”

“We just helped a local business fill 5 warehouse roles in 48 hours.”

“Looking for general labour staff in Mississauga? Call us today.”

Add a CTA. Keep it local. Keep it simple.

Summary:

Most businesses don’t optimize their Google Business Profile beyond the basics. That’s your opportunity.

You don’t need to outspend them. You don’t need backlinks. You don’t need 50 blog posts.

You just need to send the right local signals, consistently.

These 5 hacks got my clients into the Map Pack and kept them there.

Lastly:

I’m Afghan Khan Bitani — a HubSpot Certified SEO expert and web developer, with a few extra tricks up my sleeve like copywriting and content writing.

Reach out, to rank your site on the Top of Google Search!

Here’s my Gmail: [email protected]