How to Beat Big Brands on Google Maps

Are you frustrated watching big brands dominate the spotlight on Google Maps? What if I told you their massive budgets and fancy resources aren’t enough to stop you from outranking them? You already have a secret weapon that big brands can’t compete with—and you might not even realize it yet.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to flip the script and outshine large competitors on Google Maps, even with a limited budget. Let’s dive into the three core principles Google uses to determine rankings: Relevance, Distance, and Prominence. These principles, straight from Google, can be leveraged to your advantage.

1. Relevance: Matching What Users Search For

Relevance is about how well your business matches a user’s search query. Google analyzes the information in your Google Business Profile, such as categories, services, photos, posts, and reviews, to determine if your business is a good fit.

Example: Emergency Locksmith Search

• Jimmy’s Locksmith Services:

Jimmy’s profile is optimized with a primary category (Locksmith) and a secondary category (Emergency Locksmith). His listing includes detailed services like "24-hour emergency service," photos of his van with emergency branding, and posts about late-night lock emergencies. His reviews highlight specific emergency services, making his profile highly relevant to the search query.




• Jo’s Locksmith Solutions:

Jo’s profile lacks secondary categories, emergency services, and posts. His business hours show that he’s closed after 6 PM, and his reviews focus on routine services. As a result, his profile is less relevant to emergency locksmith searches.

How to Win Against Big Brands:

• Include comprehensive and accurate information in your profile.
• Add secondary categories and detailed services to cover niche searches.
• Regularly update your profile with relevant posts, photos, and reviews.

2. Distance: Proximity to the Searcher

Distance measures how close your business is to the person searching. For queries like “coffee shop near me,” Google prioritizes nearby locations. While you can’t control your physical location, you can take steps to compete more effectively:

• If your business is in an area crowded with big brands, consider relocating to a place where you can stand out.
• If moving isn’t an option, focus on the third ranking factor: Prominence.

3. Prominence: Building Your Online and Offline Reputation

Prominence reflects how well-known and trusted your business is. Big brands often dominate this area due to their large-scale visibility, but as a small business, you have unique advantages. Google values online activity just as much as offline popularity.

Here’s how to build prominence and compete with big brands:

Online Strategies

• Gather Reviews: Encourage detailed reviews that mention specific aspects of your service or products.
• Engage with Reviews: Respond to every review personally, thanking customers by name or referencing their purchase.
• Ask for Video Reviews: Video testimonials are engaging and authentic, and you can share them on your website or social media.
• Post Regularly: Share photos and videos that showcase your team, space, or products. Short clips, like making a latte or introducing a new product, help make your business relatable.

Leverage Local Connections

• Community Involvement: Participate in local events or host your own. Promote seasonal specials and highlight your involvement with photos and videos.
• Local Partnerships: Collaborate with nearby suppliers or businesses. Mention them in your content and request backlinks to your site.

Boost Your Online Presence

• Create Hyper-Local Content: Write blogs or create videos that highlight your area, like "Why [Your Business] is the Perfect Morning Stop in [Your Town]." Google loves content that’s locally relevant.
• Engage Local Media: Pitch your story to journalists or bloggers who cover small businesses. A feature in local media can boost your credibility.
• Encourage Check-Ins: Ask customers to check in on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to increase your visibility among their followers.

Show Personality

• People prefer doing business with real people, not faceless corporations. Use your social channels to share fun or quirky aspects of running your business. Highlight your team and celebrate milestones to build trust and relatability.

Why Small Businesses Have the Edge

Big brands often struggle to connect with local communities because their decisions are made at the corporate level. As a small business, you can act quickly and build genuine relationships with customers and the local community. This personal touch is your secret weapon.

By focusing on relevance, proximity, and prominence, you can outshine big brands on Google Maps. Make your business a local favorite and a trusted name in your community. This combination will not only improve your rankings but also solidify your reputation as the go-to choice.

Source: YouTube

"How to Crush Big Brands on Google Maps! (Even as a Small Business!)"

- Ranking Academy

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