Boost Your Local Business Visibility with This Google Maps Trick

If you own a brick-and-mortar business, getting noticed online is just as crucial as foot traffic in the real world. When people search for a business like yours on Google, the algorithm determines rankings based on several factors—including how often people visit your location. That’s where a simple Google Maps trick can give you a subtle yet effective boost.

How Google Maps Affects Your Business Rankings

Google’s algorithm isn’t just about website SEO. It considers real-world data, like how often people navigate to a location. If Google sees a business consistently getting driving directions and visits, it assumes it’s a relevant place for local searches.

While customers naturally contribute to this data when they find your business, you can nudge Google’s algorithm in the right direction with a simple habit: using Google Maps to navigate to your own business every time you visit.

How to Use the Google Maps Trick

Every time you drive to your business location, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Maps on Your Phone – Even if you know the route, manually enter your business address.
2. Tap “Start” to Begin Navigation – Let Google Maps guide you, even if you don’t need directions.
3. Repeat Consistently – The more often Google sees navigation requests to your location, the more it signals engagement with your business.

This trick works especially well if you have multiple team members, friends, or family members also doing the same thing when they visit. It reinforces the idea that your business is a frequent destination.

Why This Works for Local SEO

Google prioritizes businesses that people actively engage with. While reviews, website activity, and social media all play roles in boosting rankings, navigation data adds an extra layer of credibility. Here’s why:

✅ Confirms Active Foot Traffic – If people are navigating to a location, it’s a signal of real-world interest.
✅ Strengthens Google Business Profile Signals – Google sees businesses with frequent navigation requests as more relevant for local search results.
✅ Increases Discoverability on Google Maps – The more a business is engaged with, the more likely it appears in local search results when users search for similar services.

Other Ways to Help Google Recognize Your Business

While using Google Maps for navigation is a great start, combining it with other local SEO strategies creates even better results.

• Encourage Check-ins & Reviews: Ask customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile and check in when they visit.
• Keep Your Google Business Profile Updated: Regularly update your hours, photos, and posts to show Google your business is active.
• List Your Business in Local Directories: Sites like Yelp, Bing Places, and Apple Maps help reinforce your location.
• Use Location Tags on Social Media: Posting updates with your business location on Instagram and Facebook adds social proof.

Final Thoughts

This Google Maps trick isn’t a shortcut to instant success, but over time, it reinforces Google’s perception of your business as a high-traffic location. Paired with strong local SEO tactics, it can help move the needle in local rankings, leading to more visibility and potential customers.

Next time you drive to your business, don’t just take the usual route—navigate with Google Maps and let the algorithm work in your favor.