If you’ve ever searched for “restaurants near me,” “website designer in Des Plaines,” or “digital marketing agency near me,” you already understand how powerful Google Maps is.
Today, more than 82% of local customers use Google Maps to find nearby businesses. Even more importantly, 76% of users visit a business within 24 hours of searching on Google Maps — which means the companies showing up in the top results (the Map Pack) get the majority of the leads, calls, and foot traffic.
This is where Google Maps Marketing becomes essential.
Google Maps Marketing is the strategic process of improving your business visibility on Google Maps so customers in your area find you first. For local business owners in Des Plaines, IL, ranking in the Maps 3-Pack can mean the difference between steady leads or being invisible.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Google Maps Marketing — how it works, why it matters, and the exact steps your business can take to rank higher. Plus, we’ll show how Lemur Marketing, a trusted Internet Marketing and Local SEO Service in Des Plaines, helps businesses dominate Google Maps results.
What Is Google Maps Marketing?
Google Maps Marketing refers to optimizing your presence on Google Maps and Google Business Profile (GBP) so your business ranks higher when customers search for services in your area.
This includes:
✔ Google Business Profile optimization
✔ Local keyword optimization
✔ Reviews and reputation management
✔ Local citations and NAP consistency
✔ Photo and content strategy
✔ Map Pack (Local 3-Pack) ranking optimization
✔ Google Maps Ads (Local Search Ads)
The goal is simple:
Make your business the #1 choice when someone in Des Plaines searches for your service.
Unlike traditional SEO, Google Maps Marketing focuses on local proximity-based searches — meaning you’re targeting people who are already ready to buy.
How Google Maps Ranking Works (The Local Pack Algorithm)
Google uses three main ranking factors to determine who appears in the Local 3-Pack:
1. Relevance
Does your business match what the customer is searching for?
Example: A user types “web design service Des Plaines.” Google looks at your categories, business description, and keywords.
2. Distance
How close is your business to the searcher’s location?
Businesses closer to the user often receive better visibility.
3. Prominence
How trustworthy and established does Google believe your business is?
This is influenced by:
- Number of reviews
- Review quality
- Backlinks
- Online citations
- Business age
- Local activity (posts, photos, updates)
For businesses in Des Plaines, optimizing all three factors is the key to beating competitors and ranking in the highly visible Map Pack.
Benefits of Google Maps Marketing for Des Plaines Business Owners
✔ More phone calls and website visits
Local searches on Google Maps lead to instant action.
✔ Higher foot traffic
Retail stores, restaurants, salons, law firms — everyone benefits.
✔ Better visibility for “near me” searches
This is where real customers convert.
✔ Stronger brand trust
Users trust businesses with strong Maps presence and positive reviews.
✔ Free local exposure (better than paid ads)
Google Maps can drive continuous traffic without ongoing ad spend.
If you want consistent local leads, Google Maps Marketing is your most powerful tool.
Step-by-Step Guide: Improve Your Google Maps Marketing Strategy
Optimize Your Google Business Profile Completely
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of your Maps ranking. Make sure to fill out every detail:
- Business name (exact and consistent)
- Correct business categories
- Local phone number
- Accurate address or service area
- Detailed business description with local keywords
- Hours of operation
- High-quality logo and cover photo
- Services and products
- Appointment links
Pro Tip: Add keywords naturally in your description like:
“Lemur Marketing is a Digital Marketing and Local SEO agency in Des Plaines, IL specializing in Google Maps Marketing…”
This boosts relevance.
Use Local SEO Keywords (Location-Based Keywords)
Including local keywords helps Google understand where you want to rank. Examples for Des Plaines:
- “Google Maps marketing in Des Plaines, IL”
- “local SEO Des Plaines”
- “digital marketing agency near Des Plaines”
- “web design in Des Plaines Illinois”
Add these strategically to:
- Website pages
- Service descriptions
- Google posts
- Photo captions
- FAQ section on GBP
Build Local Citations + Keep NAP Consistent
Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) must be the exact same everywhere online.
Submit your business to:
✔ Yelp
✔ Bing Places
✔ Apple Maps
✔ Yellow Pages
✔ Chamber of Commerce Des Plaines
✔ Local business directories
Inconsistent citations confuse Google and damage your ranking.
Get More Google Reviews (and Respond Professionally)
Reviews heavily influence Maps ranking.
How to get more reviews:
- Ask customers after service
- Use QR codes
- Email follow-ups
- Add a link on your website
- Encourage customers to mention the city and service
Respond to every review — it shows activity and professionalism.
Publish Google Posts Regularly
Google rewards active businesses.
Post about:
- New services
- Offers
- Business updates
- Tips
- Events
- Recent projects (with photos)
Posting at least 2–3 times per week boosts relevance and trust.
Add Real Photos + Geotagging Strategy
Photos increase user engagement and conversions.
Upload:
- Exterior and interior photos
- Team photos
- Work examples
- Before/after projects
- Customer interactions
Geotagging images with “Des Plaines, IL” adds an extra advantage for local positioning.
Using Google Maps Advertising (Local Search Ads)
Local Search Ads appear at the top of Google Maps results. These ads help you:
- Increase visibility instantly
- Get more calls
- Attract more “ready to buy” customers
- Show up above competitors
They work especially well for:
- Contractors
- Lawyers
- Medical offices
- Restaurants
- Retail shops
- Marketing agencies
Combining Google Maps Ads + SEO delivers the strongest visibility in your city.
Common Google Maps Mistakes That Hurt Your Ranking
Avoid these if you want to rank fast:
❌ Using the wrong category
❌ Inconsistent NAP information
❌ Ignoring reviews
❌ Not posting regularly
❌ Poor-quality photos
❌ Duplicate business listings
❌ Stuffing keywords unnaturally
These mistakes can push your business out of the Map Pack entirely.
Advanced Google Maps Marketing Strategies (For Faster Results)
If you want to beat top competitors in Des Plaines, start using advanced tactics:
✔ Local Schema Markup
Helps Google understand your business details.
✔ Build Local Backlinks
Partner with Des Plaines blogs, news sites, local organizations.
✔ Create Location Pages
Example: “Local SEO Services in Des Plaines, IL”
✔ Use Heatmap Tools
Track your map ranking across neighborhoods.
✔ Optimize Service Areas
Focus on Des Plaines neighborhoods like:
- Downtown Des Plaines
- Oakton
- River Road district
- Northeast Des Plaines
These strategies help you dominate locally — not just appear.
How Lemur Marketing Helps Businesses Rank Higher on Google Maps
Lemur Marketing is a leading Local SEO and Google Maps Marketing Agency in Des Plaines, IL. Businesses choose Lemur Marketing because you deliver proven, measurable results.
Your Google Maps Marketing services include:
- Complete Google Business Profile optimization
- Local keyword research
- Review management
- Local citations + directory listing
- Weekly Google Posts
- On-page local SEO
- Local backlink building
- Map Pack ranking strategy
- Heatmap performance reporting
With the right strategy, Lemur Marketing helps local businesses generate more:
✔ Calls
✔ Website visits
✔ Foot traffic
✔ High-converting leads
✔ Real customers from Des Plaines
Conclusion: Start Leveraging Google Maps Marketing to Boost Your Local Visibility
Google Maps Marketing is one of the most powerful tools for local business growth — especially in a competitive area like Des Plaines, IL. From increased visibility to more customer engagement, appearing in the Google Map Pack is essential for long-term success.
If you want your business to stand out, attract more local customers, and dominate your niche, it’s time to optimize your Google Maps presence.
Ready to outrank your competitors in Des Plaines?
Lemur Marketing can help you appear at the top of Google Maps and get more real local leads.
👉 Contact Lemur Marketing today for a Free Local SEO Audit.
