How to Use Google Maps Marketing to Drive Local Sales
- Thomas Walker
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
If you run a local business, here’s the truth: Google Maps can be your most powerful (and cheapest) marketing channel. Why? Because when someone searches “best bike shop near me” or “SEO agency in Manchester,” they’re not browsing. They’re ready to buy. And if your business shows up first, you’re already ahead. The crazy part? Most businesses ignore this. They spend thousands on ads, while their Google Business Profile is a ghost town. Here’s how to fix that and start winning local sales through Google Maps.
Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Step one: claim and fully optimise your profile.
Sounds basic, but most businesses skip this. You need:
Up-to-date contact info
Proper categories selected
High-quality photos (people want to see your space or product, not a blurry logo)
Detailed services and product descriptions
Location info optimised with your target keywords
Google uses this info to decide who ranks where. The more complete and relevant your profile, the better.
Collect and Leverage Reviews
Reviews are huge. Not just for rankings, but for trust. Encourage every happy customer to leave a review. And reply to them. Google loves businesses that engage. Tip: If you get a negative review (and you will, eventually), respond with professionalism. Never ignore it.
Post Regularly
Most people don’t know this, but you can post updates on your Google Business Profile, just like you would on social. Use this for:
Promotions
Product launches
Events
Behind-the-scenes updates
Fresh content signals to Google that your business is active and relevant.
Use Local Keywords
If you want to rank for “bike shop in Perth,” say that phrase in your profile and posts. Google picks up on it.
Don’t keyword stuff, but be intentional. Think like your customers think.
Build Local Citations
Get your business listed on:
Local directories
Chamber of Commerce sites
Niche industry directories
Consistency is key. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number match across all listings.
Why This Works (And How We Prove It)
We used this exact strategy with Fremantle Bikes. New business, no existing online presence. Within three months, they were getting 40-50 in-store visits a week driven purely by Google Maps. And their revenue followed. Multiple $10,000+ months, all off the back of simple local SEO done right.
Final Thoughts
Google Maps isn’t sexy. It’s not as fun as TikTok ads or Meta campaigns. But if you’re a local business, it can be your most profitable channel. And the best part? It compounds. The more reviews you get, the stronger your presence gets. The more consistent your content, the higher you rank. If you want help setting this up the right way, that’s what we do.
Simple. Powerful. And highly effective.
댓글