Let’s get one thing straight… If you’re still paying hundreds every month just to “optimize” your Google Business Profile (GBP) and you’re still stuck at the bottom of the map pack (you’re doing it all wrong).

I’m not saying SEO isn’t worth it (hey, I do SEO for a living).

But I am saying there’s a better way to rank your business without burning money in 2025.

Let’s break it down.

Why Is My Business Not Showing Up on Google Maps?

Want Answer? Google only shows businesses it trusts. And that trust comes from having a complete, active profile.

If your GBP is half filled, with one photo, no reviews, and a two line description, Google’s not going to risk showing you to their users.

Think of it like dating apps. You can’t date a hoty with a blurry photo and one word bio. Google won’t either.

How Do I Make Google Trust My Business?

Well, you need to make your profile look alive.

Here’s how:

1. Add More Categories

Most businesses only have one category. But you’re allowed to add up to 10.

So instead of just “Plumber,” add:

1. Drainage Service
2. Emergency Plumber
3. Water Heater Installer
4. Sewer Repair
5. Bathroom Remodeler

The more accurate categories, the more types of searches you show up in.

Trust me, your competitors are doing this. If you’re not, you’re already behind.

2. Fill Out Every Field

Google ranks complete listings higher. No excuses for that!

So make sure you add:

1. Services (List everything you offer)
2. Opening date
3. Attributes (wheelchair accessible, veteran-owned, etc.)
4. Business description (Add local keywords naturally)
5. Service area (Mention suburbs or neighborhoods)

Even things like “payment methods accepted” help build trust.

Do not skip anything.

3. Do I Really Need to Add Photos?

YES. Google tracks activity.

Profiles that upload new photos regularly, even just from your phone, tend to rank higher. It shows you’re active and real.

What to upload:

1. Photos of your tools or van
2. Before/after photos of your work
3. Customer locations (with permission buddy)
4. You on the job (no stock photos, please!)

If you’re mobile, take pics in different neighborhoods. It builds local relevance.

4. What’s the Point of Posting on Google?

Posts tell Google, “Hey, we’re still open and working!”

Once a week, post a short update. That’s it.

Example:

“Busy week in Mississauga! Helped 4 families with deep-tissue massage relief. Booking into Saturday now.”

That’s all Google needs. You’re telling them where you’re working and what you’re offering, in a way that builds local authority.

5. How Important Are Reviews?

Reviews are your #1 local ranking factor.

But not just any reviews. You want ones that say:

1. What service you provided
2. Where you did it
3. How you helped them

Example:

“Got a mobile massage in Scarborough after a long week. Felt 10x better by morning. Highly recommend!”

This review tells Google:

1. What the business does
2. Where they serve
3. That the customer is satisfied

More of these = better rankings.

What If I’m a Service Area Business? Can I Still Rank Downtown?

Yep, and here’s where it gets spicy.

If you’re a Service Area Business (SAB), you can move your map pin to a high-demand area.

Let’s say you live in a suburb, but all the money’s downtown?

Move the pin there.

Google doesn’t check addresses for SABs as strictly, but use this trick carefully.

Only works if:

1. Customers never come to your location
2. You serve clients at their location (like mobile massage, cleaning, plumbing, etc.)

And yes, it can boost your visibility in that area within days.

But use this with caution. Google could crack down on it in the future.

I wrote a complete article on that, The link is right below!

Why Should I Do All This Myself? Isn’t That What I Pay For?

Most agencies don’t do this properly or at all.

They focus on:

1. Blogs
2. Backlinks
3. Reports

But none of that matters if your Google Business Profile is ignored.

And truthfully? You can do this yourself in less than a week without spending a dollar.

Still Want Help from a Local SEO Pro?

I’m Afghan Khan Bitani, a HubSpot Certified Local 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!

Get a free quote!

Here’s my Gmail: [email protected]