Case Study: From Page 3 to Google Maps Top 3

Industry: Home Services | Service: Local SEO, Google Business Profile Optimization | Timeline: 8 months

Quake Media moved a Vancouver-area home services company from page 3 of local search results into the Google Maps top 3 through Google Business Profile optimization, citation building and localized content strategy. Monthly phone calls from search grew from 12 to 67, Maps impressions increased from 1,200 to 8,500 and direction requests jumped from 8 to 45 per month within eight months.

The Challenge

A home services company serving the Greater Vancouver area was invisible in local search. Their core service queries placed them on page 3 of Google, nowhere near the Maps Pack that captures the majority of clicks for local service searches.

The root causes were structural. Their Google Business Profile was incomplete: no business description, three low-quality photos, incorrect hours and a primary category that didn’t match their core service. The profile had a handful of reviews with no response strategy. Their website had no location-specific content and no GBP optimization connecting the online presence to the service area.

NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency was a mess. The business name appeared differently across directories. Old phone numbers and a previous address still existed on multiple citation sites. Google couldn’t confidently verify the business’s legitimacy because the signals were contradictory.

The company generated only 12 phone calls per month from search and relied almost entirely on word-of-mouth referrals. They knew competitors in the Maps Pack were capturing their customers but didn’t know where to start.

The Solution

Google Business Profile Optimization

We started with a complete GBP overhaul. This is the single highest-impact activity for local search visibility, and most businesses leave it half-finished. Our optimization included:

• Correcting the primary and secondary business categories to match actual services
• Writing a keyword-rich business description within Google’s 750-character limit
• Adding 40+ high-quality photos: team shots, completed projects, equipment and the service vehicle
• Setting accurate service areas covering all target municipalities
• Configuring services and products sections with descriptions and pricing ranges
• Enabling messaging and booking features
• Setting up weekly Google Posts with project highlights and seasonal offers

Citation Building and NAP Cleanup

We audited every existing citation and found the business listed on 23 directories with inconsistent information. We corrected all existing listings and built new citations across 50+ Canadian-specific and industry-specific directories, each using the exact same business name, address format and phone number. Even small variations like “St.” versus “Street” can dilute the consistency signal Google uses to verify legitimacy.

Localized Content Strategy

The website had zero location-specific pages. We created dedicated local service pages for each municipality in the service area. Each page included:

• Unique content addressing the specific needs and characteristics of that service area
• LocalBusiness schema markup with accurate NAP data
• Embedded Google Map showing the service area
• Testimonials from clients in that area
• Internal links to relevant service pages

We also published monthly blog content targeting informational “how to” queries that local customers commonly search. Each post linked back to the relevant service and location pages, building topical authority around the company’s core services.

Review Generation Strategy

The business had 11 Google reviews when we started. We implemented a systematic review generation process:

• Post-service email and SMS sequences with a direct link to the Google review form
• QR code on invoices and business cards linking to the review page
• Owner response templates for every review (positive and negative) to show engagement
• Staff training on asking for reviews at the right moment in the customer journey

Within eight months, review count grew from 11 to 48 with a 4.8-star average. Review velocity is a Maps ranking factor, and the steady growth sent strong trust signals to Google.

The Results

Client Testimonial

“Before Quake Media, we were completely invisible on Google. Nobody could find us unless they already knew our name. Tyler and his team optimized our Google listing, fixed all our directory information and built out location pages that actually rank. We went from getting a handful of calls a month to the phone ringing every day. They explain everything in plain English, they’re always on time and they deliver real results.”

Mark A. – Managing Director

Key Takeaways

• GBP is the foundation: A fully optimized Google Business Profile is the single most impactful factor for Maps Pack rankings. Most businesses leave it 30% complete
• NAP consistency is critical: Inconsistent business information across directories actively hurts your local rankings. Every listing must match exactly
• Reviews drive trust and rankings: Growing from 11 to 48 reviews with a 4.8-star average directly correlated with Maps visibility improvements
• Local content earns local rankings: Generic service pages don’t rank for “[service] + [city]” queries. Dedicated location pages with unique content do
• Local SEO compounds over time: Results accelerated between months 4 and 8 as citation signals strengthened and review velocity built momentum

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Found by Local Customers Who Are Ready to Buy

If your business is invisible in Google Maps and local search results, you’re handing customers to your competitors every day. Start with a free local SEO audit and we’ll show you exactly what’s needed to reach the Maps Pack.

Phone: 604-901-7668 | Email: info@quakemedia.ca

See more: SEO Services | Local SEO Vancouver | GBP Optimization | Free Audit