How to Rank Higher on Google Maps in Nigeria

“Want to know how to rank higher on Google Maps in Nigeria? Follow these easy steps to boost your business and attract more customers!”

If you’re running a business in Nigeria, showing up at the top of Google search results can make a huge difference.

How?

It’s simple: being easy to find = more customers and growth.

But how do you get there?!

Thankfully, it’s not as hard as it might seem.

Your Google Maps listing is the key. It helps new customers find you, makes you stand out from competitors, and drives more business—all for free.

However, these benefits are only available if your listing is highly visible. Simply being listed doesn’t mean Google will automatically rank you high in searches.

Your Google Maps ranking is where your business appears in search results. A high ranking means your business is among the first that shows up when people search for related services in your area.

Let’s say you have a bakery in Ikeja. When people search for “best bread in Ikeja,” you want your bakery to pop up first, just like the first 3 businesses in this picture.

A top-ranking listing can make your business a local favorite, bringing in more customers and increasing your sales.

In this guide on how to rank higher on Google Maps in Nigeria, I’ll show you simple steps to improve your Google Maps listing so you’ll get more visibility and attract more customers right to your door.

Let’s get started and make your business the top choice on Google Maps!

Problems Businesses in Nigeria Face

Running a business in Nigeria has its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to getting noticed on Google Maps.

Let’s see some of the problems you might have also faced.

Local SEO Struggles

a). Facing Tough Competition

The local market is very competitive. Whether you own a small boutique in Lagos or a tech store in Abuja, you’re up against many other businesses trying to attract the same customers.

You can’t stand out, and you need to make sure your Google Maps listing and website are on point.

b). Missing or Wrong Business Information

Imagine someone trying to find your business but ending up at the wrong address because your Google Maps information is outdated or incorrect.

This not only frustrates potential customers but also makes you look unprofessional.

It’s crucial to keep your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistent across all online platforms. An outdated or incorrect listing can turn away potential customers.

c). Keeping Business Details Up-to-Date

Businesses change, and so do their details. Maybe you’ve changed your opening hours, moved to a new location, or started offering new services.

You must update this information on your Google Maps listing and website. Keeping these details current ensures customers can always find the right information when they need it.

What Do Customers Want?

a). Quick Access to Local Businesses

Customers want to find local businesses fast and easy. They don’t have time to sift through old information or search for your contact details forever.

They want to find everything they need in one place, and they want it to be accurate. If your information isn’t available or is wrong, they’ll look elsewhere.

b). Accurate Directions, Reviews, and Contact Information

People rely heavily on Google Maps for accurate directions, honest reviews, and up-to-date contact information.

I once worked with a plumbing service in Centreville (in the US) that faced all of these issues.

Their business listing had wrong information, and customers were ending up at the wrong location and getting frustrated.

After fixing their address and optimizing their Google Business Profile with proven strategies, they rose to the #1 spot for “Centreville Plumber.”

This increased their visibility and credibility.

If your business information is wrong or missing, customers will end up at your competitor.

Customers want to know where you are, what others think of your business, and how to get in touch with you quickly. If this information isn’t available or accurate, you’ll lose business.

If you fix these issues, people will find and choose your business more easily.

What Are the Google Maps Ranking Factors?

I have had several businesses come to me frustrated because they have tried everything they could to get their business to show up higher on Google Maps.

They have updated their business name, address, and phone number, adding photos and even written detailed descriptions.

But despite all this, they still can’t rank well in local search results.

Let’s see why this happens and what Google looks at when deciding who ranks where.

a). Google Business Profile (GBP) Optimization

First, let’s discuss your Google Business Profile (GBP). Many businesses think that just having a profile is enough, but that’s not the case. Google looks at:

i). Accurate Information

It’s important to keep your business name, address, and phone number the same everywhere online. If they don’t match, it might confuse Google and your customers.

ii). Right Category

Choosing the most accurate category for your business is essential. It helps Google know what your business is about and connect it with the right searches.

iii). Detailed Description

Writing a clear, keyword-rich description is key. It’s not just about telling people what you do but also about including the words they might use to find businesses like yours.

iv). Photos and Videos

High-quality visuals can make a big difference. They don’t just make your profile look better; they can also help attract more views.

b). Relevance, Distance, and Prominence

Then there are the big three factors Google considers: relevance, distance, and prominence.

i). Relevance

This is about how well your business matches what someone is searching for. If your profile has the right keywords and categories, you’re more likely to appear in relevant searches.

I’ve seen businesses that perfectly match a search query still not show up because they haven’t optimized for relevance.

ii). Distance

Google looks at how far your business is from the person searching. You can’t change your location, but ensuring your address is correct is key.

Sometimes, businesses are just too far from the searcher, which can affect their ranking.

iii). Prominence

This is a measure of how well-known and trusted your business is.

Google looks at things like the number and quality of your reviews, how well-known your business is online, and your presence in local directories.

Businesses with many positive reviews and strong online presence tend to rank higher.

So when your business isn’t ranking as it should, it’s often because you haven’t addressed these factors fully. It’s not just about being online; it’s about being visible strategically.

How to Set Up and Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

If you want your business to rank higher on Google Maps in Nigeria, it all starts with a great Google Business Profile (GBP).

This will show you how to do everything step by step, from creating your profile to optimizing your GBP for customers.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Sign up, or you can Log In to Your Google Account

First, log into your Google account if you don’t have one, no problem. It’s easy and free to make one. Just go to the Google sign-up page and follow the steps.

I would advise you to choose the business account that makes it easier to set up your Google Business Profile.

Step 2: Visit Google My Business

After you log in, head to the Google My Business page. Click on “Manage now” to begin setting up your profile.

Step 3: Enter Your Business Name

Type in your business name.

If it doesn’t pop up in the drop-down list, click on “Create a business with this name.” Make sure to use the exact name as it appears on your website and other places online.

Step 4: Choose Your Business Category

Pick the category that best describes what you do. This helps Google show your business to people searching for related services.

When you choose a local store or service business, the first image will show up, but if you choose the online retail business, the second image will show up.

However, you still have to input your business category regardless of the option you choose.

Step 5: Add Your Location

If you have a physical store or office, enter your address. This helps customers find you on Google Maps.

Step 6: Enter Your Contact Information

Add your phone number and website URL. This makes it easy for customers to call you or visit your website.

Step 7: Confirm Your Business

Google needs to check that your business is real. They often send a postcard with a code to your business address.

Put this code into your Google Business Profile to confirm your details.

How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Now that your profile is set up let’s make it even better!

Here’s how to do it step by step.

a) Correct Information

First, make sure all your business details, like your name, address, and phone number, are correct and the same everywhere online.

If they don’t match, it can confuse customers and lower your ranking.

i). Check and Update Your NAP:

• Sign in to your GBP account.

• Go to the “Info” tab.

• Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are correct and match what’s on your other listings. Consistency is key, so double-check that all details match everywhere.

ii). Include Your Tracked and Main Number:

If you use call tracking, list your tracked number as the primary phone number and your main number as the secondary one.

This way, you can monitor the effectiveness of your listing while still having your main number visible to Google.

b). Claim Your Google Business Profile

Before you can fully optimize your profile, you need to claim it. This gives you control over the information displayed and allows you to make necessary updates.

i). Claim Your Listing:

• Go to Google.com/maps or open the Google Maps app.

• Search for your business name. If it appears, click on it and select “Claim this business” or “Own this business?”

• Follow the prompts to verify your ownership. You might receive a postcard with a verification code, or you may be able to verify by phone or email.

c). Detailed Business Description

Your business description should be clear and detailed. Use keywords that people might search for. For example, if you run a barbershop, mention “haircuts” and “grooming services.”

i). Write an Engaging Description:

• Go to the “Info” tab in your Google Business Profile dashboard.

• Find the “Add business description” section.

• Write a description that clearly tells what your business does, using important keywords.

ii). Choose the Right Category for Your Business:

• Choose the main category that best fits what your business does.

• Select additional categories, if applicable, to cover other services you provide.

d). Add Photos and Videos

Good photos and videos make your profile look better. Show your place, your team, and what you do. People often visit businesses that look welcoming.

i). Upload Photos and Videos:

• Go to the “Photos” tab in your Google Business Profile dashboard.

• Add a variety of photos, including your logo, cover photo, and images of your business’s interior and exterior.

• Upload videos showcasing your services or products.

ii). Add Photos Regularly:

Keep adding new photos to your profile often. This shows Google that your business is active and engaging.

e). Collect and Manage Reviews

Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews. Reviews are crucial for ranking higher on Google Maps. Reply to all reviews, whether they are good or bad, to show you value customer feedback.

i). Gather Reviews:

• Ask satisfied customers to leave a review.

• Create a shareable review link and include it in your email signature or on your website.

ii). Respond to Reviews:

• Sign in to your GBP account.

• Go to the “Reviews” tab.

• Respond to all reviews, thank customers for their feedback, and address any issues raised.

e). Post Regularly

Keep your Google Business Profile active by posting updates, special offers, and news about your business. Posting often keeps your profile updated and interesting.

i). Create Posts:

• Go to the “Posts” tab in your Google Business Profile dashboard.

• Write posts about new products, special offers, or any updates about your business.

• Include images and links to make your posts more engaging.

f). Use Insights

Google shows you how customers use your profile. Use this information to see what’s working and what’s not. Change your approach based on this data to make your presence better.

i). Check Insights:

• Click on the “Insights” tab in your Google Business Profile dashboard.

• Check the data to see how customers find your profile, what they do there, and other ways they interact.

• Use this information to refine your GBP strategy.

ii). Keep Your Hours Updated:

• Regularly update your business hours, including special hours for holidays. This helps customers know when you’re open and improves your reliability.

iii). Merge Your Listings:

• Make sure you don’t have duplicate listings on Google Maps. Consolidate any duplicates to ensure your true listing ranks higher.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your Google Business Profile and attracting more customers through local search.

How to Gather and Manage GBP Reviews

When you’re running a business in Nigeria, getting good reviews on your Google Business Profile (GBP) can make a big difference.

It’s like when people talk about a great place they’ve visited; suddenly, everyone wants to check it out.

Here’s how to get and manage reviews and handle fake ones.

a). Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews

One of the best ways to get positive reviews is to ask your happy customers directly. Here’s how you can do it:

i). Ask in Person:

• After giving good service or selling a product, ask your customers to leave a review on your GBP. For example, if you own a dry cleaning service, ask your customers if they can post their thoughts online.

ii). Use SMS or WhatsApp:

• Send a thank-you message to your customers with a link to your Google Business Profile, asking them to leave a review. This is quick and easy for them.

iii). Email Requests:

• If you have an email list, send follow-up emails asking for reviews. Include a direct link to your GBP to make it simple.

b). Respond to Reviews

Engaging with your reviews shows that you care about customer feedback, whether it’s positive or negative.

i). Thank Positive Reviewers:

• A simple “Thank you for your kind words!” goes a long way. It shows appreciation and encourages others to leave positive reviews.

ii). Address Negative Reviews:

• Maintain a professional and courteous tone. If needed, apologize and offer solutions to resolve the issue. This tells potential customers that you really care about providing good service.

c). Handle Fake Reviews Promptly

Fake reviews can harm your business, so deal with them ASAP.

i). Report the Review:

• If you find a fake review, go to your GBP dashboard, find the review, and click “Flag as inappropriate.” Google will review your report and take action if the review breaks their rules.

ii). Respond to the Review:

• If the review is not removed, respond to it professionally. You can reply politely, saying, “We can’t seem to recall this incident. We’re here to help sort out any issues, though!” This helps show potential customers that the review is not genuine.

c). Share Positive Reviews

Highlighting positive reviews can attract more customers.

i). Social Media:

• Share screenshots of positive reviews on your social media pages. This showcases your good reputation to a broader audience.

ii). Website Testimonials:

• Add positive reviews to a testimonials section on your website. This builds trust with new visitors.

Handling your reviews is all about connecting with your customers and building a community that trusts what you do.

Keep your responses honest, respectful, and professional. This approach will not only help your business look good but also feel like a trusted spot in the community.

How to Use Citations and Local Listings to Grow Your Business

Citations are when other websites list your business name, address, and phone number.

These mentions help with local SEO so people can find your business on Google Maps.

The more consistent and widespread your citations, the more Google will trust your business information, which will help with ranking.

This increases your ranking on Google Maps and visibility, which drives more traffic to your business.

Okay, now let me share a quick example. I had a client who was a limo service and wanted to rank for the keyword “limousine service near Logan Airport.”

Despite being excellent at what they did, they weren’t getting noticed. I listed their business in relevant local directories and made sure their NAP was consistent everywhere.

Within 6 weeks, they were #1 on Google Maps.

Now, let’s get to how you can do this for your business.

a). List Your Business in Local Directories

Getting listed in local directories is crucial. It helps Google recognize your business as legitimate and boosts your local SEO.

You should list your business on popular Nigerian directories like VConnect, BusinessList Nigeria, and ConnectNigeria. People often use these sites to find local services.

b). Use Local SEO

Using local SEO techniques can significantly boost your visibility on Google Maps. Start by researching local keywords relevant to your area and services.

For instance, if you run a tailoring service in Abuja, use keywords like “affordable tailoring in Abuja.”

Creating content about local events, news, or activities on your website can also engage local customers and help your website rank for local searches.

c). Build Local Backlinks

Backlinks from reputable local sites can boost your SEO. Reach out to local bloggers to write about your business or include you in their listings.

Participating in local events and getting mentioned on their websites also helps.

Using citations and local listings can really put your business on the map in Nigeria. It’s about making sure when people search for what you offer, your business pops up first.

If handling this seems overwhelming, feel free to contact professionals who can help you achieve these results.

How to Track Performance and Make Improvements

Getting your business on Google Maps is just the start. Once you’re up and running, the real work begins: tracking how well you’re doing and finding ways to do even better.

Here’s how you can do this:

a). Check Out Google My Business Insights

Start with Google My Business Insights. This feature shows you how customers find your listing—whether they searched directly for your business or stumbled upon it while looking for something else.

Knowing this helps you understand what’s working and where you might need to make some changes.

b). Monitor Customer Interactions

Pay attention to how customers interact with your listing. Look at how many people call your business directly from your profile or use the map to find directions to your place.

This will tell you if your contact information is clear and helpful. If you’re not seeing much activity, consider updating your details to make them more straightforward or more visible.

c). Respond to Reviews

Reviews are a key part of your Google Maps listing. Regularly read and respond to them.

Say thanks to those who leave positive reviews and address any concerns raised by less satisfied customers.

This doesn’t just show that you value feedback. It also helps you identify areas for improvement.

d). Use Additional Tools

For a deeper analysis, consider using tools like SEMrush or Moz Local. These can give you a detailed view of your search rankings and help you track changes over time.

They offer insights that can guide your efforts to improve your SEO and get better results from your Google Maps listing.

Keeping an eye on your Google Maps performance isn’t just about spotting changes. It’s about finding new ways to connect with potential customers and making your business easy to find and interact with.

So, regularly update your information, respond to customer reviews, and use the right tools to track your progress.

By doing this, you’ll not only stay visible but also become more appealing to those searching online.

Case Studies: Two Nigerian Businesses’ Google Maps Journey

Let’s look at how two local businesses in Nigeria have fared with their Google Maps strategies—one soared, and the other stumbled.

I will share their stories to give you an idea of what happened.

a). Egac Web Hosting

Egac Web Hosting wasn’t very well known until they really focused on their Google Maps presence. They came to me because they wanted to rank higher on Google.

They were struggling with visibility despite having great services and customer reviews.

Here’s how I turned things around for them:

i). Accurate Business Information:

I ensured all their business information was accurate and consistent. This included their name, address, phone number, and website. Having the correct details helped Google trust their listing more.

ii). Engaging Photos and Videos:

I added high-quality photos and videos showcasing their office, staff, and some behind-the-scenes action. This made their profile more appealing and trustworthy to potential customers.

iii). Regular Posts:

Posting updates, special offers, and news about their services kept their profile active. This not only informed customers but also signaled to Google that the business was active and engaging.

iv). Customer Reviews:

Encouraging satisfied customers to leave positive reviews was a game-changer. Egac Web Hosting saw an increase in positive feedback, which boosted their credibility and ranking.

After some months of working on their Google Map strategies, It resulted in more traffic and customers finding them easily.

b). Cartoon Maker Specialist

I’ve been following the progress of Cartoon Maker Specialist, a graphic design business in Ota, for a while now.

Initially, they were ranking well, but recently, they experienced a drop in their position. Here’s what happened:

a). Profile Inactivity:

They stopped posting regular updates and engaging with their customers. This inactivity led to a drop in their ranking as Google favors active listings.

b). Inconsistent Information:

Their business information wasn’t updated regularly, which caused confusion and reduced their credibility.

c). Fewer Reviews:

They weren’t encouraging enough customer reviews. This lack of engagement made their profile less attractive compared to competitors.

To help them regain their ranking, I started by updating their business information and ensuring it was consistent across all platforms.

I also encouraged them to post regular updates and engage more with their customers. Slowly but surely, they’re climbing back up the rankings.

This is where they stand  now:

If you’re also struggling with your Google Maps ranking, these stories show that simple, consistent efforts can make a big difference.

Are You Ready To Put In the Work?

Getting your business noticed on Google Maps in Nigeria doesn’t have to be hard.

First, keep your info right and up-to-date. If your address, phone number, or hours change, update them right away.

Add good photos and videos. Show what your place looks like and what you offer. It makes your profile more appealing.

Ask happy customers for reviews. Thank them and respond to the not-so-happy ones, too. This shows you care and builds trust.

Post updates regularly. Tell people about new products, special offers, or events happening at your business.

Check how you’re doing. Use Google My Business Insights to see what works and what doesn’t. Make changes based on this info.

Doing these things can make a big difference. Your customers are looking for you. Make sure they can find you easily.

If managing all this feels like too much, you can always achieve faster results by working with an expert. They can help you optimize your profile and get your business to the top.

Start today, and watch your business climb to the top!

Your customers are out there; make it easy for them to find you.