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How to Go from Zero Google Maps Inquiries to a Traffic Surge That Change Business

By FJ Snijman - February 25, 2025

How to Transformed Google Maps Traffic and Grew Your Business

If you're struggling to get inquiries from Google Maps, you're not alone. Many business owners believe they’re being ignored by the algorithm when, in reality, they're not giving Google what it needs to promote their business.

Go from getting zero inquiries to so much organic traffic.

This isn't about luck—it's about understanding Google's ranking system and using long-term SEO strategies to gain visibility.

Step 1: Understanding Your Google Business Profile Data

Google provides analytics clues that reveal why your business is or isn’t getting traffic.

How to Check Your Traffic Source:

• Log in to your Google Business Profile (GBP).
• Navigate to Profile Stats to analyze your traffic.
• Identify where your visitors come from:
  • Google Search vs. Maps
  • Mobile vs. Desktop

Knowing where users are discovering you is like turning on a traffic tap—once you understand it, you can optimize accordingly.

Step 2: The Four Colored Donuts – Interpreting Your Google Business Profile Data

Google categorizes your traffic into four main sources, represented by colored donuts in your analytics.

Let’s break them down and optimize accordingly.

1. Google Maps (Desktop) – Green Donut

   💡 What It Means: Users are viewing your business location on Google Maps from their desktops.

   ✅ Actionable Tips:

   • Ensure your pin location is accurate.
   • Add detailed directions to your profile.
   • Upload high-quality images showcasing your storefront.
2. Google Search (Desktop) – Blue Donut

   💡 What It Means: Users are searching for your business on Google from their computers.

   ✅ Actionable Tips:

   • Optimize your business description with long-tail keywords.
   • Include pricing, directions, and services on your website.
   • Post blogs, promotions, and product updates to keep visitors engaged.
3. Google Maps (Mobile) – Red Donut

   💡 What It Means: Fewer users are searching for you via Google Maps on mobile—often local users.

   ✅ Actionable Tips:

   • Add your location next to a well-known landmark.
   • Offer special deals for in-store visitors.
   • Double-check that Google’s GPS directions to your business are accurate.
4. Google Search (Mobile) – Yellow Donut

   💡 What It Means: Most people are finding your business via Google Search on their mobile phones.

   ✅ Actionable Tips:

   • Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and loads fast.
   • Add a "Call Now" button for quick customer inquiries.
   • Post regular content updates to stay relevant.

Step 3: Regular Content Updates – Keep It Fresh

One of my clients saw his Google rankings drop overnight, even though he was getting 5-star reviews.

The problem? He hadn’t posted updates on his profile for years.

💡 Solution: Post Weekly Updates

• Share special promotions, events, or business tips.
• Post before-and-after pictures (great for service-based businesses).
• Keep your audience engaged with seasonal updates.

👉 Why This Works: Google prioritizes active businesses. If your profile looks abandoned, your rankings will drop.

Step 4: Building Consistency and Trust Signals

Google relies on consistency when ranking businesses.

💡 Think of Google as an insecure friend constantly asking, "Do I look okay?" If your business details aren’t consistent, Google won’t trust your listing.

✅ What to Do:

• Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) match across all directories.
• Verify that your Google Business Profile pin location is accurate.
• Update your holiday hours and operating times regularly.
• 📌 Pro Tip: Google cross-checks your details across social media, business directories, and maps. Inconsistent information can lower your rankings.

Step 5: Competitor Analysis – Learn from the Best

To improve your Google Business Profile, study your competitors.

✅ How to Do It:

• Search for businesses similar to yours in your city.
• Analyze their top-ranking profiles.
• Take note of their:
  • Reviews and responses
  • Photos and videos
  • Business descriptions and keywords
• 💡 Pro Strategy: Identify what they’re missing and create content that fills the gaps.

Final Thoughts: Ranking Higher on Google Maps Requires Strategy, Not Luck

If you follow these five steps, you’ll gradually improve your Google visibility:

• ✅ Analyze your Google Business Profile data (The 4 Donuts Method).
• ✅ Optimize your profile with high-quality images, descriptions, and contact details.
• ✅ Post fresh content weekly to show Google you're active.
• ✅ Ensure consistency across all listings to build trust.
• ✅ Study your competitors and improve on what they’re doing.

Google’s local ranking algorithm rewards businesses that are visible, active, and trustworthy. Implement these strategies today, and you’ll soon see a boost in organic inquiries!