When people need a product or service today, their first stop is usually their smartphone or computer. Especially with searches like “near me” (e.g., “coffee shop near me” or “hairdresser Dublin”), local businesses have golden opportunities to get discovered by nearby customers.
The top results that appear in these searches are usually from Google Maps, particularly in the coveted “Local 3-Pack” section. That’s why ranking higher on Google Maps is not just an advantage it’s a critical success factor for local businesses.
Being Visible on Google Maps = Getting Chosen in the Real World
More than 80% of users choose one of the first results shown on Google Maps. So, if your business isn’t ranking high, there’s a big chance you’re losing potential customers to competitors.
Businesses that rank high on Google Maps typically receive:
- More clicks
- More directions requests
- More phone calls
- More foot traffic
This translates into a direct bridge from online discovery to offline sales.
In 2025, Google’s algorithm is smarter than ever but the core ranking factors remain the same:
- Profile accuracy
- Customer reviews
- Content freshness
- Local authority
Here’s a step-by-step, practical guide for small businesses to climb the ranks on Google Maps with real-world Dublin examples.
1. Fill Out Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Completely and Accurately
Your Google Business Profile is the first impression people have of your business on Maps. Incomplete or incorrect info can hurt your ranking while a detailed, accurate profile builds trust and visibility.
Example: A Coffee Shop in Dublin
Let’s say you run Smithfield Coffee House in Dublin. Here’s how to optimize your profile:
– Business Name
✔️ Correct: Smithfield Coffee House
❌ Incorrect: Smithfield (too vague)
💡 Use the same name as your store signage. Don’t stuff keywords like “Best Coffee in Dublin”.
– Category Selection
- Primary: Coffee Shop
- Additional: Bakery, Brunch Restaurant
– Description
“Located in the heart of Smithfield, Dublin, we serve freshly brewed specialty coffee, homemade pastries, and vegan brunch options. Ideal for remote workers and weekend brunch lovers.”
Include:
- Location (Smithfield, Dublin)
- Keywords (coffee, pastries, brunch)
- Audience targeting (remote workers, brunch lovers)
– Address & Location
Ensure your pin is correctly placed on Google Maps.
– Phone & Website
- Phone: +353 1 111 1111
- Website: http://www.smithfieldcoffee.ie
– Business Hours
Keep regular and holiday hours up to date including Christmas, Bank Holidays, Easter, New Year.
– Photos
Upload regularly:
- Interior & exterior shots
- Menu items
- Clean, aesthetic images taken in natural light
- Happy customer moments
💡 Use SEO-friendly filenames:
✔️smithfield-dublin-flatwhite.jpg
❌IMG_20250806_345.jpg
📌 Bottom line: The more complete your profile, the more visible and trustworthy you appear both to Google and potential customers.
2. Collect and Respond to Positive Reviews
Google prioritizes businesses with high-quality, recent, and relevant reviews.
- Ask satisfied customers for reviews
- Add a QR code on receipts or tables for easy access
- If you sell online, ask via email: “Thanks for your order! Could you leave us a quick review on Google?”
- Always reply to reviews and mention keywords!
🎯 Example: Smithfield Coffee House
Review collection strategy:
They include a note with coffee orders:
“Loved your coffee? Your review is just as valuable ☕ Thank you!”
Response example:
🗨️ Customer: “One of the best brunch experiences! Loved the vegan pancakes.”
💬 Reply: “Thanks so much for your kind words! We’re proud to offer one of the best vegan brunches in Dublin 💚 Hope to see you again at Smithfield Coffee House!”
Such responses strengthen local SEO with terms like “vegan brunch” and “Dublin”.
3. Add Photos and Videos Regularly
Visuals attract customers and signal that your profile is active.
- Upload regular interior, exterior, product, and team photos
- Rename files with keywords (e.g.,
coffee-shop-latte-dublin.jpg) - Add short videos: product prep, behind-the-scenes, customer moments
🎯 Example:
Smithfield Coffee House uploads:
- New brunch dishes weekly
- Sunlit photos of tables at 9 AM
- 10-second videos of flat white being made
💡 Before uploading, rename files like:
✔️ vegan-breakfast-dublin-smithfield.jpg
4. Use Google Posts & the New “What’s Happening” Feature
In 2025, Google launched a new feature called “What’s Happening”, showing your events/promotions right in the search results.
Post weekly updates such as:
- “Brunch Lovers! Every Sunday 10am–2pm: Vegan Brunch Menu”
- “Live Acoustic Music – Friday Evenings”
- “Loyalty Card Launched: Buy 5 coffees, get 1 free!”
These posts show your business is active, relevant, and trustworthy.
5. Keep NAP Information Consistent
Your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) must be consistent across:
- Website
- Social media
- Business directories
Inconsistencies confuse Google and lower your ranking.
6. Get Listed in Local Directories and Build Backlinks
Your authority increases when credible websites mention or link to you.
✔Get listed on:
- Yelp Ireland
- Golden Pages
- Dublin Chamber of Commerce
✔Reach out to:
- Local blogs
- Community websites
- Local newspapers (for features or mentions)
7. Use the Q&A Section on Your Google Profile
Don’t wait for customers to ask ask and answer common questions yourself.
🎯 Example:
❓ “Do you offer gluten-free options?”
✅ “Yes! We offer fresh gluten-free cakes and breads every day at Smithfield Coffee House.”
This improves SEO and answers key concerns in advance.
8. Embed a Google Map on Your Website
Add your business location on your Contact page using a Google Maps embed.
This links your site to your profile and builds trust with Google.
9. Optimize for Mobile & Voice Search
In 2025, most local searches happen via mobile or voice assistants.
- Make sure your website is fast and mobile-friendly
- Add FAQs using natural, conversational questions Example: “Where’s the nearest vegan café in Dublin?”
This improves your chances of being chosen via voice search.
10. Track Your Performance
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Use these tools:
- Google Search Console – For local keyword performance
- Google Analytics 4 (GA4) – For visitor behavior & sources
- BrightLocal or similar tools – To track your Google Maps rankings.
Final Thoughts: You Can Rank Higher in 2025
Climbing to the top of Google Maps isn’t instant but with a complete profile, strong reviews, visual content, and local SEO, it’s absolutely achievable.
🚀 Start applying these steps today and watch your business rise to the top of local search results in Dublin and beyond.
Digital Ceren 
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