Five Quick Tweaks to Help Your Sudbury Business Rank on Google Maps
3rd June 2025
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Five Quick Tweaks to Help Your Sudbury Business Rank on Google Maps

(plus tips for when Google won’t cooperate)

Local shoppers start online. BrightLocal’s 2025 Local Consumer Review Survey found 77 per cent of people look for a local business at least once a week (brightlocal.com). Yet many Sudbury businesses lose potential customers because their Google Business Profile (GBP) is incomplete or stuck in Google’s admin system.

We have put together 5 straightforward tweaks to help you get found online.

1. Claim (or re-check) your listing

  • Go tobusiness.google.com/add.

  • Search for your business name and address.

  • If your listing appears, click 'Request access'.

  • Complete verification by postcard, phone, email or video.

If only the video option appears, follow Google's step-by-step guide. Film your premises clearly, showing signage and the location (support.google.com).

Personal experience: When changing the Innovation Labs' business address, I placed a branded roller banner in the window and recorded it. Google approved the address change in five days.

Stuck on verification? Open Google's Help menu, select 'Contact us' and request a manual review (brightlocal.com, support.google.com).

2. Add fresh photos weekly

Google states accurate images help match you with the right customers (support.google.com). Aim for nine clear photos:

  • Three exterior

  • Three interior

  • Three of products or team

Use your phone in daylight and upload via the Google Maps app.

3. Write a clear one-line description

Your description appears beneath your name in Search and Maps. Keep it under 250 characters:

Example: “Independent florist in Sudbury specialising in seasonal British flowers and same-day local delivery.”

Stick to facts, avoid emojis, and always include "Sudbury" to boost relevance (support.google.com).

4. Gather three new reviews this month

Good reviews improve rankings and encourage customers to choose you (brightlocal.com).

  • Email your review link after a sale.

  • Offer a printed card with a QR code at the till.

  • Reply politely to all reviews within two days.

Caution: Avoid fake reviews. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority actively polices this, and businesses encouraging negative competitor reviews risk serious financial penalties.

5. Use the 'Posts' feature for offers and events

In the Google Maps app:

  • Tap 'Add update' and select Update, Offer, or Event.

  • Add a clear photo, write 50-100 words.

  • Include a call-to-action such as 'Call now' or 'Book online'.

Posts appear in the 'Updates' tab and occasionally in map-pack results (localiq.com).

When Google won't cooperate

Google isn't always easy to deal with. Here are common issues, reasons they occur, and practical fixes. This isn't exhaustive, so please share your experiences and solutions.

Problem

Reason

What to try

Address change stuck on 'Pending'

Google needs more proof.

Ensure your website and social profiles show the correct address. Raise a support ticket with screenshots (support.google.com, reddit.com).

Video-only verification

Google is testing stricter methods.

Record your video clearly, showing signage, street, and premises control. Request a second review if initially rejected (support.google.com).

Profile suspended after moving

Sudden address changes trigger flags.

Complete the reinstatement form with utility bills or lease agreements. Expect a response within 3-5 working days (support.google.com).

Can't speak to a human

Google discontinued phone support in 2021.

Use Google's Help Centre 'Contact us' for email or chat support. Alternatively, tweet @GoogleBusinessProfile or seek help via the GBP Help Community (reddit.com, brightlocal.com).

Setting up or updating your GBP can be frustrating, but it's important. Block out one hour weekly to manage your profile. It's time well spent.


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About the Author

Penny W

Member since: 17th March 2014

Hello! I'm Penny from thebestof Sudbury, shouting about the best local businesses from Hadleigh through the Clare. When I'm not doing that, you'll find me knitting socks or tending to my 6 chickens

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