Ranking
How to Analyse Your Google Maps Competitors (15-Minute Method)
A practical, free method to study the top three businesses in your local pack — categories, reviews, photos, posts and citations — and find exactly what to do to overtake them.
By Chamko Research Team Updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Search your main service the way customers do, open the top three results, and note their primary category, review count and rating, reviews in the last 30 days, number and freshness of photos, latest post date, attributes, website and directory listings. Then fix the gaps where you are behind — usually categories, review velocity and fresh photos.
Quick answer: Search your main service the way customers do, open the top three results, and note their primary category, review count and rating, reviews in the last 30 days, number and freshness of photos, latest post date, attributes, website and directory listings. Then fix the gaps where you are behind — usually categories, review velocity and fresh photos.
Step 1: Pick 3 searches
Your main service + your area, your main service + "near me", and one specific product ("kaju katli near me").
Step 2: Fill this table for the top 3
| Signal | You | #1 | #2 | #3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary category | ||||
| Total reviews | ||||
| Rating | ||||
| Reviews last 30 days | ||||
| Owner replies? | ||||
| Photos (approx.) / newest | ||||
| Latest post date | ||||
| Hours complete? | ||||
| Website linked? | ||||
| Justdial / industry listing? |
Step 3: Read their reviews
What do customers praise? What do they complain about? Complaints about competitors (slow service, rude staff, no parking) are opportunities for your posts and replies.
Step 4: Decide your 3 actions
- Category mismatch → fix your category first.
- Fewer reviews → start daily review requests with a QR poster.
- Old photos → upload 3 new photos a week.
- No posts → start weekly posts.
Step 5: Repeat monthly
Rankings move. Re-check every month and compare with your own progress in the Chamko Rank plan.
Worked example: a salon in Bengaluru
Searches checked: "salon near me", "hair spa Indiranagar", "bridal makeup Indiranagar".
| Top competitor | Your salon | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary category | Beauty salon | Hair salon |
| Secondary categories | Hair salon, Bridal shop, Nail salon | none |
| Reviews / rating | 640 / 4.7 | 95 / 4.6 |
| Reviews last 30 days | 28 | 3 |
| Photos | 400+ (owner uploads weekly) | 22 |
| Posts | Weekly offers | None in 6 months |
| Services listed | 30 with prices | 5 without prices |
Three actions chosen: (1) add "Beauty salon" and bridal-related secondary categories that genuinely match services offered; (2) start a review routine with a QR at each mirror station, aiming for 15+ reviews a month; (3) weekly posts and fresh photos of real work. Repeat the analysis next month.
Tools that help (free)
- Google Maps itself — check from your location and 2 km away, in an incognito window.
- The "Searches" list in your Performance tab — what people typed to find you.
- Chamko's Rank plan and category advisor, which suggest categories based on your business type and location.
Don't copy the wrong things
If a competitor ranks with a keyword-stuffed name or obviously fake reviews, don't copy them. Report clear violations through "Suggest an edit" and focus on building a profile that won't get suspended.
Frequently asked questions
Should I copy my competitor's category?
Only if it genuinely describes your main business.
Is it okay to check competitors' reviews?
Yes — reading public reviews is normal research. Never post fake reviews on their listings.
Why does a worse competitor rank above me?
They may be closer to the searcher, have a better-matching category, or have more and fresher reviews.