If you want to know how to rank on Google Maps, start with what Google itself says: local results are based mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. You cannot move your shop closer to every customer, but you can control relevance and prominence.
This step-by-step guide is written for businesses in Gurgaon (Gurugram) and Delhi NCR, whether you plan to do it yourself or hire help.
Step 1: Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
Search for your business on Google Maps. If a profile exists, claim it; if not, create one. Google will ask you to verify — usually by video, phone or postcard depending on your business.
Use your real business name exactly as it appears on your signboard. Verification can take time, so start early.
Step 2: Pick the right primary and secondary categories
Your primary category is one of the strongest relevance signals. Choose the most specific option that describes your core business — 'Real estate agency' rather than 'Consultant', or 'Jewellery store' rather than 'Store'.
Add secondary categories only for services you genuinely offer. Check what categories top-ranking competitors in your area use for ideas.
Step 3: Complete every field
- Hours — including special hours for festivals and holidays.
- Services and products — with short descriptions and prices where possible.
- Attributes — such as wheelchair access, parking, women-led or online appointments.
- Description — 750 characters explaining what you do and where, with natural use of the words customers search.
- Website, phone and booking links — and make sure they work on mobile.
Step 4: Photos, videos and a 360° virtual tour
Profiles with fresh, genuine photos look more trustworthy. Add the exterior (so people can find you), the interior, your team, and your products or dishes. Add new photos every month.
A 360° virtual tour lets customers walk through your space on Google Maps. Our immersive content team shoots tours across Gurgaon and Delhi NCR.
Step 5: Get and reply to reviews
Reviews affect both prominence and whether people choose you. Use ethical methods only.
- Ask happy customers in person and share a short review link or QR code.
- Send the link by WhatsApp or SMS after a visit or delivery.
- Reply to every review, positive or negative, within a few days.
- Never buy reviews, offer rewards for 5-star reviews or post fake ones — Google can remove them and suspend profiles.
Step 6: Keep name, address and phone identical everywhere
This is called NAP consistency. Your business name, address and phone should match exactly on your website, Google profile, social media and local directories such as JustDial, Sulekha and IndiaMART where relevant.
Small differences — 'Sector 29' vs 'Sec-29', or an old phone number — can confuse search engines and AI assistants. It also matters for AI search, as we explain in how to get recommended by ChatGPT and AI search.
Step 7: Post weekly and add a location page
Google Business Profile posts show you are active. Share offers, events, new products and updates once a week.
On your website, create a page for each location with its address, map, hours, photos and services. Link it from your Google profile. Our SEO, AEO and local search division builds and optimises these pages.
Common mistakes that get profiles suspended
- Keyword-stuffed names — 'Best Restaurant Gurgaon Sharma Dhaba' instead of 'Sharma Dhaba'.
- Virtual offices or co-working addresses used as a storefront where you do not serve customers.
- Multiple profiles for the same location.
- Fake reviews or review gating.
- Wrong categories chosen just to appear in more searches.
For restaurant-specific ideas, read our restaurant marketing ideas for Delhi NCR.
