Google My Maps Citations: Step-by-Step Guide [Boost GBP Rankings]

You all want to improve your local SEO and get more eyeballs on your Google Business Profile (GBP), so don’t worry, there’s one powerful (and often overlooked) strategy that can make a big difference: the Google My Maps citations.

Hi there, this is Pawan, an SEO expert, ranked a lot of local businesses on Google Business Profile. Previously, I have talked about a quick GBP SEO checklist; read that first.  Now I am going to share all about Google My Maps Citation. A secret way to boost the Google Business Profile Ranking.

Now, you might be wondering: “What in the world is a Google My Maps citation?”
Think of it as creating a custom map that points people, and Google, right to your business, while also reinforcing your location authority across the web.

In today’s competitive local search landscape, simply creating a GBP profile isn’t enough. You need to send Google strong, consistent signals that back up your business details. That’s where Google My Maps citations come into play.

In this post, I walk you through what these citations are, why they matter, and how to create them step-by-step—even if you’re not tech-savvy.

What Are Google My Maps Citations?

Let’s break it down.

Google My Maps is a free tool from Google that allows users to create custom maps, complete with markers, layers, descriptions, and directions. It’s often used for travel itineraries or route planning, but it’s also a hidden gem for local SEO.

When we talk about a “citation” in the context of SEO, we’re referring to any mention of your business’s NAP—Name, Address, and Phone number—on the internet. These mentions help search engines verify the legitimacy and accuracy of your business info.

So, a Google My Maps citation is when you create a custom map that includes your business location along with your NAP details and relevant links (like your website or GBP). Once published, this custom map becomes a crawlable, indexable asset that reinforces your business’s presence to Google.

In short:

A Google My Maps citation is like telling Google, “Hey, here’s my business. Here’s where it’s located. And here’s proof that I’m legit.”

It’s not just about adding your pin on a map—it’s about creating a geo-optimized citation that supports your overall SEO strategy.

Benefits of Google My Maps Citations

Still wondering if it’s worth the effort? Here are some real, measurable benefits of using Google My Maps citations to power up your Google Business Profile, which I found from my experience:

• Better Local Rankings: Google’s algorithm favors businesses with consistent and accurate location data. My Maps citations give Google another trustworthy data point about your location, which can help you show up higher in local search and map packs.
• Enhanced Online Visibility: Once your map is published and made public, it’s searchable. That means more opportunities for people to find your business, even outside of Google Maps.
• Indexable, Shareable Content: Custom maps are indexable by Google and shareable across your website, blog, or social media platforms. This adds a layer of credibility and helps build relevant backlinks.
• Reinforces NAP Consistency: Google loves consistency. The more places your exact business name, address, and phone number show up online, the more confident Google becomes in showing your GBP listing to potential customers.
• Link Building Opportunity: You can include links to your GBP, website, booking page, or social profiles within the map description, making it an easy and relevant way to gain backlinks.

Also Read: Key Factors to Consider for Effective On-Page SEO of a website?

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Google My Maps Citation

Creating a Google My Maps citation might sound technical, but trust me, it’s actually quite simple. You don’t need any coding skills or fancy software. All you need is a Google account and about 10-15 minutes of your time. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Sign in to Your Google Account

It is very simple, just visit https://www.google.com/mymaps and make sure you’re signed in with the Google account you want to use.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the same account that manages your Google Business Profile if possible—it keeps everything under one roof.

Step 2: Click on “Create a New Map.”

You’ll see a big red or blue button that says “+ Create a New Map” in the lower left corner. Click on it to open a blank canvas.

Also, open a Pop-up if you’re doing this for the first time, and contains this:

“Creating a MyMaps map always uploads title, thumbnail, and associated metadata to Drive.”

You just need to click the Create Button.

Step 3: Name Your Map

Now, after the above, you need to click on the “Untitled map” text in the upper-left corner and give your map a relevant title. Something like I did:

• “Elbestor – Best SEO Service Company in Bihar”

Also, write a brief description that includes some local keywords and your NAP details (Name, Address, Phone). This helps with SEO.

Pro Tip: Add your Google Business Profile, Website Link, and Social Media Links too.

Step 4: Add a Marker for Your Business Location

Click the pin icon (“Add Marker”) on the toolbar. Then you need to pin it to your business location nearby area, you can also search your Google Business profile to make it easy to find the location.

Once you make the pin, a box will pop up—this is where you add the same info as you did in the map section above, and can replace the point name with your keyword, like I did

• Business Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Website URL
• Short Description (Include target keywords)
• Social Media Links
• GBP Link

Step 5: Add Driving Directions (Optional but Helpful)

After all these things, you can also add direction to your business. Click the “Directions” button (the curved arrow icon) and choose a starting point A, like a local landmark, airport, or downtown hub, to point B, and many more. This step can help with geo-relevance and make your map more useful for users.

Step 6: Customize the Appearance (Optional)

You can change the color of your marker, add a custom icon, or organize different layers (e.g., if you serve multiple locations or service areas).

This isn’t required for SEO, but it makes your map look more professional and user-friendly.

Step 7: Make Your Map Public

Click the “Share” button (top left), and under “Who has access,” change it from “Private” to “Public” or “Anyone with this link Can View.”

Also, on “Let Others Search for and find this map on the internet”

🔐 This is very important. If your map is private, Google won’t be able to crawl or index it, which defeats the purpose.

Step 8: Share On Drive AKA Share and Publish

After entering all your details, click on Share to Drive and then hit “Done” or simply click outside the input fields to save. Google autosaves changes, but it’s good practice to double-check.

Pro Tip: Share this link with others so it can get views and Google indexes it fast.

You’ve just created your first Google My Maps citation! 🙌

After all this hard work, your Google My Maps citation is ready. Like mine, you can check here.

How to Optimize Your Map Citation for SEO

Creating a map is one thing—optimizing it is what really makes the difference in rankings. Think of this map like a mini webpage for your business. Just like a blog post or landing page, it needs the right signals to perform well in search results.

Here’s how to supercharge your map citation:

🧠 1. Use Keywords Strategically

Include local keywords in the map title and description. For example:

• “24/7 Emergency Plumber in Austin – Joe’s Plumbing Services”
• “Top-Rated Dog Grooming in Chicago – Fluffy Friends Spa”

Don’t overdo it—just make it natural and helpful.

🔗 2. Add Relevant Links

In the marker description, add a clickable link to your:

• Website homepage
• GBP (Google Business Profile) short URL
• Appointment booking page
• Social media accounts

This not only drives traffic but can pass valuable link equity.

📸 3. Add Images or Videos

Click the camera icon in the marker pop-up to upload images or add a video URL (like a YouTube video tour of your business). Visuals enhance engagement and boost trust.

📍 4. Create Multiple Layers (If Applicable)

If your business serves different regions or has multiple locations, create a layer for each. This keeps your map organized and adds SEO value for each service area.

📝 5. Embed Your Map on Your Website

Once your map is published, click the three vertical dots near the title → select “Embed on my site.”

Copy the HTML code and paste it into a page on your website (like your Contact Us or Location page). This boosts visibility and encourages crawlers to index it.

🔄 6. Keep Your Map Updated

If your business moves or changes phone numbers, make sure your map reflects those changes. Inconsistent NAP info can confuse Google and hurt your local rankings.

In short, the more you treat your Google My Maps citation like an SEO asset, the better it will perform, and the more it will benefit your Google Business Profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Doing Google My Maps Citation

Even though creating Google My Maps citations is relatively straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls that can prevent your citation from helping your SEO, or worse, harm it.

Let’s make sure you steer clear of these:

---

❌ Mistake #1: Keeping the Map Private

This one’s a dealbreaker. If your map is set to “Private,” Google can’t crawl or index it. Always make sure to set your map to “Public” or “Anyone with the link” when publishing it.

---

❌ Mistake #2: Inconsistent NAP Info

Your Name, Address, and Phone number should exactly match what’s listed on your Google Business Profile and across all other directories (like Yelp, Bing Places, Facebook, etc.).

Even small discrepancies like “St.” vs “Street” or a missing suite number can cause confusion.

---

❌ Mistake #3: Skipping the Description or Keywords

Leaving the title or description blank is a missed opportunity. These are prime spots for adding local keywords and providing helpful info that tells Google (and people) what your business is all about.

---

❌ Mistake #4: Not Adding a Link to GBP or Website

If your map doesn’t include a link to your official website or GBP profile, you’re missing out on potential referral traffic and SEO benefits.

Always include at least one relevant, clickable link.

---

❌ Mistake #5: One-and-Done Mentality

Don’t just create one map and forget about it. If you serve multiple service areas or offer seasonal promotions, consider updating or creating new maps every few months to keep your citations fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do Google My Maps citations really help with SEO?

Yes! While they’re not the biggest ranking factor, they support local SEO by reinforcing your business’s location and improving NAP consistency, geo-relevance, and link diversity.

Q2. Is there a limit to how many My Maps I can create?

Not really. You can create multiple maps, especially helpful if you serve various cities or regions. Just ensure each one is unique and relevant.

Q3. Can I use my personal Google account to create the map?

Yes, but it’s best to use the Google account associated with your business or GBP to keep everything streamlined and easy to manage.

Q4. How do I update my map if my business details change?

Simply go to Google My Maps, select your map, click on the marker, and edit the details. Changes save automatically.

Q5. Will people see my map on Google search?

Not directly in search results like your GBP listing, but your map can show up in Google Maps search and be indexed by Google, especially if embedded or linked on your site.