HOW DO I GET MORE CALLS FROM GOOGLE MAPS?
How do you get more calls from Google Maps? Verify your Google Business Profile, put a local phone number on it, fill in every detail, add real photos, and earn and reply to reviews, because Google says complete, accurate profiles with more reviews are more likely to show up.1 Conqueror Capital, a Montreal-based web and local SEO company working with businesses across the US and Canada, sets this up for contractors and local businesses, but nobody can buy a higher Maps ranking: Google says there's no way to request or pay for one.1
Below: the steps in order, what Google says it ranks on, and how to count the calls your profile sends. Profile not showing at all? Start with why your business is not showing on Google Maps.
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THE STEPS
Verify your profile
Google says verifying tells it you're authorized to represent the business, so it's more likely to show up in search results.1 Not set up yet? See Business Profile setup.
Use a local number that rings your business
Google's guidelines ask for a phone number that connects to your individual business location, and a local number instead of a central call center helpline whenever possible.2
Fill in every section
Google says businesses with complete and accurate info are more likely to show up in local search results.1 Category, hours, service area, services: all of it. Our profile optimization guide goes section by section.
Keep your hours right, including holidays
A caller who reaches a closed business does not call twice. Google lists business hours, including special hours, among the details to provide.1
Add real photos and videos
Google says photos and videos let you show customers what you offer.1 Show real jobs, your team and your vehicles.
Earn reviews and reply to every one
Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help your local ranking, and replying shows you value feedback.1 Ask every happy customer: how to get more Google reviews.
Link a website that matches the profile
Google says prominence is based partly on how many websites link to your business.1 Use the same name everywhere: Google asks for your real-world name as used on your storefront, website and stationery.2
Count the calls
Your profile's performance report shows Calls, which Google defines as the number of times a customer clicked on the call button on your Business Profile.3 Check it monthly. More in how to track phone calls from Google.
WHAT GOOGLE SAYS IT RANKS ON
Google's help page says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance, and popularity, and describes each factor below.1
| Factor | Google's definition | What you control |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance | How well a Business Profile matches what someone is searching for1 | Accurate category, services and description |
| Distance | How far each business is from the customer who's searching1 | Nothing: you can't move closer to every searcher |
| Prominence | How well-known a business is, also based on info like how many websites link to your business and how many reviews you have1 | Real reviews, a website, and mentions on other sites |
WANT CALLS FASTER?
Organic Maps results can't be bought. Google Ads can show your business in Maps as a labelled ad, which is a separate, paid channel. See Google Maps ads and local SEO vs Google Ads.
FAQ
How do I get more calls from Google Maps?
Verify your Google Business Profile, use a local phone number, fill in every detail, add real photos, and earn and reply to reviews. Google says complete, accurate profiles with more reviews are more likely to show up in local results.
Can I pay Google to rank higher on Google Maps?
No. Google says there's no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. You can pay for Google Ads, which appear as labelled ads, separately from the organic results.
What phone number should I put on my Google Business Profile?
A number that connects to your own business location. Google's guidelines ask for a local number instead of a central call center helpline whenever possible.
How do I see how many calls I get from Google Maps?
Open your profile's performance report and look at Calls, which Google defines as the number of times a customer clicked on the call button on your Business Profile.
Why am I getting no calls from Google Maps?
Usually the profile isn't showing for the searches that matter, or the details are incomplete or wrong. Check that it is verified, the category fits, the hours and phone are right, and that you have recent reviews.
SOURCES
- Google Business Profile Help, Tips to improve your local ranking on Google.
- Google Business Profile Help, Guidelines for representing your business on Google.
- Google Business Profile Help, Business Profile performance.
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