How to Rank on Google My Business in 2025: The Real Guide 99% of Businesses Still Don’t Know
Vishal Jaiswal / February 25, 2026 / Uncategorized / Total: 6 ViewsMost companies are still unable to successfully rank their profiles on Google My Business (GMB). Actually, over 99% of those businesses do not appear anywhere close to the first few results. It is quite surprising that they keep on making the same mistakes without even realizing them. Moreover, a large number of them are still […]
Most companies are still unable to successfully rank their profiles on Google My Business (GMB).
Actually, over 99% of those businesses do not appear anywhere close to the first few results.
It is quite surprising that they keep on making the same mistakes without even realizing them.
Moreover, a large number of them are still using outdated SEO tricks that have not been effective for years.
If that is your intention, then this guide is what you need to reach the top 1% of businesses Local SEO in 2025.
We should local SEO vs GMB business.
Introduction: Local SEO in 2025 Is a Completely New Game
The methods you were using with Google My Business to get results are not working anymore.
At present, just a minor error can lower your ranking or cause your account to be suspended.
Hence, it is important for you to be absolutely certain of the things that are effective currently and those that are not.
This manual explains each piece of information in straightforward divisions so that you are aware of the exact point from which you have to proceed.
Category 1: Non-Negotiable Essentials (Do These First or Forget Ranking)
These are the things you cannot skip at any cost.
1. Complete Your Google Business Profile 100%
What the majority of folks don’t realize is that just putting your business name, address, and phone number is enough.
However, Google requires a lot more information than that to be able to trust your business fully.
It is necessary for you to provide every single detail of your business such as:
- Business category
- Business description
- Opening and closing hours
- Holiday hours
- Services you offer
- Photos
- Videos
- Products (if applicable)
Until Google understands exactly what your business does, where it operates, and when it is open, it will never rank you properly.
NOTE: An incomplete GMB profile can drop your ranking by almost 40–50%.
Don’t ignore this.
2. Add Smart Keywords Inside Customer Reviews
This is a small trick but extremely powerful.
You don’t need to force anyone or make reviews look spammy.
Just politely ask a few genuine customers to include your business category or service name inside their review.
Example: Instead of writing “Great service!”, a customer can write: “This is one of the best digital marketing agencies in Bhopal.”
This naturally tells Google which keywords your business is relevant for.
Even if only 10–15% of reviews contain relevant keywords, it significantly improves ranking.
3. Keep Your NAP Consistent (Name, Address, Phone)
NAP consistency means your Name, Address, and Phone Number should match everywhere online.
This includes your website, GMB profile, Facebook, Instagram, and every other listing.
If your information is different on different platforms, Google starts doubting your business.
And doubt means lower rankings.
We once handled a client who shifted to a new office.
They updated the address everywhere except GMB, and their ranking suddenly dropped.
As soon as we updated the GMB address and verified it, the ranking bounced back.
NOTE: NAP mismatch is one of the hidden reasons why businesses never rank.
Category 2: High-Impact Strategies (These Give Faster Results)
These methods help you move up faster compared to the basics.
1. Do NOT Add Keywords in Your GMB Business Name
Many businesses still add keywords to their GMB name thinking it will help.
For example: “Vincible – Best Digital Marketing Agency in Bhopal”
This is keyword stuffing, and in 2025, Google suspends accounts for this.
It’s a straight-up violation.
✔ What to do instead?
Use the keyword naturally on your website landing page, not in your GMB business name.
If your website header says “Best Digital Marketing Agency in Bhopal,” Google will understand your relevance automatically.
This method is completely safe and very effective.
2. Update Your Google My Business Every Week
This is something hardly anyone does, but it works like magic.
Google loves active businesses.
So you should regularly post updates, photos, videos, offers, or anything new about your business.
Even one weekly post is enough to show Google that your business is alive and active.
This alone can boost your ranking faster than most other SEO tricks.
✔ Maintain Review Consistency
If your last review came 6 months ago, Google assumes your business is not active.
Try to collect consistent reviews every month.
Fresh reviews → More trust from Google → Higher ranking
3. Embed the Same Map Location on Your Website + Add Local Business Schema
Your GMB location should match the map location embedded on your website.
This gives Google a strong confirmation that your business physically exists at that exact place.
Adding Local Business Schema is another extra boost for relevance and trust.
It helps Google understand your business more accurately.
Category 3: Nice-To-Have Extras (These Give You an Extra Edge)
These are not mandatory but definitely helpful.
1. Geo-Tag Your Photos Before Uploading
Geo-tagging adds location data to your photos.
This tells Google that your images were taken at your business location.
There are many free online tools that let you geo-tag images easily.
It gives your GMB an extra layer of local relevance.
2. Connect Your Social Media Accounts to GMB
Link your Instagram, Facebook, and other social handles with your GMB.
This increases your online credibility in Google’s eyes.
The more verified connections Google sees, the more trust your business gets.
Category 4: SEO Scams You Must Avoid in 2025 (These Can Get You Banned)
Please stay away from these, no matter what people tell you.
❌ 1. Buying Fake Reviews
Many people still buy 500–1000 reviews for a small price.
Google identifies fake reviews very easily now.
Fake reviews = Zero ranking + Account suspension
Don’t risk it.
❌ 2. Creating Fake Local Listings
Some people try to rank by creating fake listings in multiple locations.
Google’s AI catches this almost instantly.
If caught, your business can be permanently penalized.
❌ 3. Buying Paid Backlinks
Cheap backlinks do not help in Local SEO anymore.
In fact, they can harm your website authority.
Google only values genuine, quality signals in 2025.
So avoid these shortcuts.
NOTE: SEO is no longer about “tricks.”
It is about clean, smart, consistent strategies.
Final Thoughts: 2025 Local SEO Is About Smart Work, Not Old Tricks
Ranking on Google My Business is absolutely possible, but only if you follow the right methods.
The strategies in this guide are proven and current for 2025.
If you consistently apply the non-negotiable steps and high-impact strategies, your GMB profile will start showing real results.
Even small improvements can make a big difference.
And if you know any other techniques that worked for you, feel free to share them.
It might help someone else too.