Insider Insights with Jamie Cornish
5 Google Map Pack Secrets Every Local Business Needs to Know
Hey friends! Let’s be real… running a local business is hard enough without having to out-ad, out-post, or out-discount every competitor in your city. And don’t even get me started on Groupon leads (you know the ones).
But why should you listen to me?
I’m Jamie Cornish, co-founder of TGIM Local with my husband Brendon. For almost 5 years, we’ve been obsessed with helping local businesses grow – taking many to multi-6 and even 7 figures. Staying on top of the best ways to market your business and attract new clients has been our full-time job. And after everything we’ve tested, I can tell you this new service we built – Limitless Local – is the game-changer.
The truth is, if you want clients coming to you instead of you chasing them, you need to show up where they’re already looking: the top 3 spots in Google’s Map Pack.
Good news? It’s not rocket science. Google actually tells us what they want – you just need to play the game. So, let me spill the five biggest things you can do right now to boost your local visibility (without losing your sanity).
And here’s something REALLY cool:
We worked with the former CEO of Google’s GBP (formerly GMB) – the guy who analyzed over 10,000 business profiles that consistently ranked in the top 3. He found there are just five key things Google looks for. And yep, I’m about to share them.
The first one should NOT shock you…. Everyone knows…
1. Fresh Reviews Win Every Time
But the biggest lesson here is that Google runs on 90-day cycles. That means your 5 stars from last year? Basically invisible now.
Pro tip: Automate review requests or set up a QR code at checkout so new reviews roll in like clockwork.
Getting that review when the dopamine from working with you is at its highest is they key to getting more of those shiny 5 star reviews!
The second one actually falls under the same category… but HOW can you super charge your reivews so Google can confidently put your business in front of those looking for you??
2. Reviews With Keywords = Gold
So… not all 5-star reviews are created equal.
❌ “Great service!” = nice, but meh. ( or even just the stars but words)
✅ “Working with the content creation team at Etched in Marketing in Edmonton has been such a relief. They make the entire process smooth, professional, and honestly fun. Instead of stressing over what to post, I now have high-quality, on-brand content that actually connects with my audience. They make it so easy to get the best results – from brainstorming ideas to final delivery, everything is clear and seamless. Having a team that understands both strategy and creativity has saved me so much time, and the content truly reflects my business. Highly recommend for any local business that wants professional, consistent video content without the overwhelm!”
Why This Matters
Google doesn’t just count reviews -it reads them. The words inside those reviews tell Google what you do, where you are, and who you’re for. That’s why “Great service!” is nice but weak, while the example above is algorithm GOLD.
The more often your reviews include natural mentions of your services + location, the more signals you’re sending to Google that you’re the right choice for someone searching “Content Creation near me” or “video marketing near me.”
How TGIM’s AI Solves This
Here’s the problem: most clients don’t know what to write. They want to help, but they usually leave short, generic reviews that don’t move the needle.
That’s where our AI-powered review helper comes in. After their appointment, the system automatically sends them a simple prompt that helps them structure a review – without scripting it or making it weird.
Example:
Instead of leaving “Loved it here!” your client sees a quick, friendly suggestion like:
“What service did you get?” or
“What did you love most?”
With a list for them to choose from.
The AI then organizes those answers into a natural-sounding review they can simply copy/paste into Google. It still sounds 100% like them, but now it includes the service + city keywords that Google cares about.
Clients feel supported and it’s effortless for them.
Reviews stay authentic – no awkward scripts.
Google gets the exact signals it needs to boost you in search.
It’s one of those small tweaks that makes a huge impact, and it’s built right into Limitless Local.
If you want to try this yourself – you can simply ask them to mention the service they got and the location you are in, in the review to help boost your biz in Googles eyes!
Next, we have an often overlooked section of your GBP, photos, but not just any photos!
3. Photos That Prove You’re Alive
Google wants to know you’re active. That means uploading real photos weekly.
❌ Canva flyers = okay but blah.
✅Behind-the-scenes, candid shots, before and afters, branding photos of you and your business, geotagged and properly named (ex: “Botox Boise” not “IMG_3746”).
With Limitless Local, you don’t have to stress about naming, tagging, or uploading photos – our AI, Luna, does it all for you.
Luna uses over 1,000 data points to know exactly when to upload fresh content so your profile always looks active in Google’s eyes.
She automatically renames your files with keyword-rich names your dream clients are already searching for.
She geotags photos for the areas that need help most, so you don’t just show up in the top 3 spots in one neighbourhood – you show up across your entire service area.
It’s one of the simplest ways to multiply your visibility without adding more work to your plate.
Next up we have one that most people think they have NO control over… Q & A
4. Q&A Isn’t Just for Clients
Most business owners don’t even realize their Google Business Profile has a Q&A section. OR they think that Google will dock them points if they ask and answer their own questions, NOT ture. Here’s the thing: anyone can ask a question about your business. But here’s the secret – you can ask and answer your own FAQs (and you should).
Why it matters:
Every Q&A you post gives Google more context about what you do.
When you include keywords + location naturally, it boosts your visibility.
You’re also giving potential customers instant answers when they’re comparing you to competitors.
Example:
❓ Do you offer evening appointments?
💬 Yes, we’re open until 8pm Monday–Thursday, making it easy for our local clients to book after work.
❓ Where are you located?
💬 We’re located in downtown Springfield on Main Street, right across from Central Park.
Just like that, you’ve dropped in keywords like “downtown Springfield” and “appointments,” while also helping your customers.
Aim to post 3–5 questions and answers every 90 days, and you’ll give both Google and your future clients more reasons to choose you.
Here’s where most businesses get stuck: thinking up questions, writing answers that sound natural and keyword-rich, and remembering to actually stay consistent and post them every 90 days.
That’s where Luna (our AI inside Limitless Local) steps in:
Suggests the right questions based on what real customers in your area are searching for.
Writes keyword-rich, location-specific answers that still sound natural and authentic.
Schedules and posts Q&As for you on the right cadence (every 90 days) so you’re always feeding Google fresh, relevant content.
Result? Your profile stays active, helpful, and optimized without you lifting a finger – and Google sees you as the obvious choice across your service area.
Last but certainly not least, we have posts.
5. Post Like You Mean It
Your Google Business Profile is like Instagram’s quieter cousin – it still wants love and attention. Posting regularly shows both Google and potential clients that you’re active, relevant, and trustworthy.
Aim to post at least twice per week. TIP – use your instagram posts on google too! Double dip for maximum impact.
Use your posts to highlight services, promotions, events, or FAQs.
Sprinkle in keywords naturally (e.g., “lip filler in Boise” or “Springfield HVAC tune-up”).
Keep posts short, helpful, and include a call-to-action (like “Book now” or “Call today”).
The catch? Google evaluates these posts in 90-day cycles, so if you’re not consistent, your profile starts to look stale again.
Here’s where Luna (our AI in Limitless Local) makes life easy:
Tracks 1,000+ data points to know when your profile needs fresh posts.
Writes keyword-rich, locally-optimized posts that sound natural and on-brand.
Publishes on schedule, so you never miss a 90-day cycle.
Keeps your profile fresh for both Google’s algorithm and AI-powered search tools (like voice search and chat recommendations).
Instead of stressing about what to post or when, Luna handles it automatically – so your business looks alive and optimized in less than 20 minutes a month.
The Bottom Line
We built Limitless Local, our AI-powered system that takes care of all these Google “must-dos” in the background so you stay optimized and visible — without adding a bunch of extra work to your plate. No more out-ad, out-post, or out-discount games.
