How Salons Can Rank Higher on Google Maps: A Complete Local SEO Guide for 2025

Introduction

Let’s face it, in 2025, if your salon doesn’t show up on Google Maps, you’re practically invisible. These days, people don’t type in full URLs or browse through endless websites. Instead, they search for terms like “salon near me” or directly enter your salon’s name into Google.

According to BrightLocal’s study on Consumer Search Behaviour, “18% of Gen Z use Google Maps as a default local search platform”.

This highlights how essential it is to prioritize Google Maps. Many have already acknowledged its value and are now looking into optimizing for Google Maps. Be a smart salon owner and start ahead.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help your salon rank higher on Google Maps, get noticed, and bring more clients through your door.

Table of Contents

What is “Discovery Search” in Google Maps?

When people search for a particular category or a search of interest, instead of searching your business directly, your business appears on top in search results, depending on the relevancy, distance, and popularity.

 Discovery Search = Indirect visibility based on relevance, proximity, and popularity.

• The relevancy is based on how well-structured your business description is to the user’s query search.
• The distance depends on the search location and how close the business is to the user’s location. 
• Popularity is determined by the positive reviews and the number of links from other websites to your business.

Why is Ranking in Google Maps Important? 

Ranking higher on Google Maps is important for businesses seeking visibility. When clients search for salons, you can get discovered first if your business ranks at the top. This will potentially increase your leads, conversions and revenue. 

Do businesses discover more on Maps or Google Search?

To answer this question, let’s look at the statistics. According to Search Engine Journal, “Google Maps has become the second most popular platform for local searches.” So, “Map-based searches have high potential to convert browsers into customers.”

Another significant finding is the prominence of Google Maps in local search. 15% of consumers said they would use Google Maps as their first port of call, meaning they are searching local terms, which could be brand or non-brand terms, directly in Google Maps.

Do I Need to Focus on Google Maps as a Salon Business Owner?

Absolutely. Create a Google Business profile to make people find you through Google search and Google Maps because clients don’t need to search for a business by its name. Instead, they will search for businesses near their location or in the general category.

Examples are “Salons near me”, “Spa in Mumbai”, or “Best Salon in Adyar”. 

In order to rank first for these specific search queries, you must optimize your business profile as a salon owner.

A Step-by-Step: How to Improve Your Salon’s Local Ranking

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you improve your salon’s local ranking. From optimizing your Google Business Profile to backlinking your website for local SEO, this will cover all parts of the concept. 

Claim and Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

If you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), this is your first task. It’s the foundation of local SEO.

Google Business Profile = Your salon’s digital storefront.

Once claimed, optimize it with complete, accurate, and consistent information:

• Use your exact business name, matching your signage and branding.
• Enter the correct address, including service areas.
• Choose the right category, like “Hair Salon” or “Beauty Salon.”
• Include working hours, and update them during holidays too.
• Add your website and booking link.
• Include a “Book Online” button.
• You can also include tags like women-oriented, LGBTQ+, etc., for additional information on your business.
  

Is Google “Book Online” the Game Changer?

Yes. Even though the “Book Online” button doesn’t directly affect ranking, it can boost user engagement and make your business more attractive, which may lead to more bookings, reviews, and ultimately a higher ranking on Google Maps.

When a “Book Online” button is clicked, it increases user engagement and interactions with your Google Business Profile. The appointments and bookings are detected by Google, and your salon’s ranking is increased. 

Now this has become easier with MioSalon. If you use MioSalon, activate the Google “Book Online” button to allow customers to schedule appointments directly from your Google profile. No technical knowledge is required. Just a simple opt-in button to display the “Book Online” button on your GBP.

To know more about using Google “Book Online” to boost your bookings, read: Boost Salon Bookings With Google Reserve Partner.

Add High-Quality, Recent Photos

Salons are visual businesses; clients want to see what they’re walking into. Adding fresh photos shows professionalism, ambience, and hygiene, all of which build trust.

Update your profile with:

• Shots of your salon interior (clean and well-lit).
  
• Before-and-after transformations (with client permission).
  
• Staff in action, working on treatments or hairstyles.
  
• Photos of seasonal services or trending styles. (Keep your photo gallery updated every 2 – 4 weeks because Google notices and rewards freshness.)

Encourage Reviews And Respond to Them

Reviews play a critical role in your Google Maps ranking. According to Google, “More reviews and positive ratings can help your business’s local ranking”.

Customer reviews and ratings can greatly influence local SEO. 

• Encourage customers to leave reviews and ratings on Google Business Profile, listing sites, and industry-specific platforms.
• After a positive appointment, ask clients to leave a Google review, either in person or through SMS/email automation.
• You don’t need complicated scripts. A simple, “Would you mind sharing your experience on Google? It really helps us out”, goes a long way.

Also, always respond to reviews, especially negative ones, to show you care and are active. This also boosts your credibility in Google’s eyes.

Use Google Posts Like a Mini Social Feed

Did you know Google lets you post updates on your Business Profile? Most salons ignore this and miss out on free promotions!

Treat it like a newsfeed:

• Highlight new services like scalp facials or bridal trials.
• Promote seasonal discounts or first-time client offers.
• Share loyalty or referral programs.

Aim for at least one post per week to keep your profile fresh, active, and engaging.

Maintain NAP Consistency Across All Platforms

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone Number, and it must be identical across:

• Google Business Profile
• Your Website
• Facebook, Instagram
• MioSalon booking page
• Local directories or listings
  

Inconsistent NAP info confuses both Google and your clients and hurts your rankings.

Example: “Zara’s Hair Studio” should not appear as “Zara Hair Studio” or “Zara Salon” elsewhere.

List Your Services Clearly with Descriptions

The more specific and keyword-rich your service list is, the better your profile performs.

Instead of just “Haircut” or “Facial,” describe what clients can expect:

• Hair Colouring – Full head colour with a stylist of your choice. Approx. 90 mins.
• Gel Manicure – Includes shaping, cuticle care, and polish. 45 mins.

This not only helps SEO but also improves conversions when users compare listings. And enable direct booking for each service using tools like MioSalon.

Get Local Backlinks to Build Credibility

Backlinks from local websites or blogs act as trust signals to Google. You don’t need hundreds; a few good ones make a big difference.

Try this:

• Partner with local cafes, spas, or fitness studios for cross-promotions.
• Sponsor a community event or local school program.
• Get featured in a neighbourhood blog or beauty column.

Don’t forget to ask for a link back to your website or Google profile.

Track What’s Working (And What’s Not)

What gets measured gets improved. Use your Google Business Insights or MioSalon’s analytics to track:

• Profile views
• Direction requests
• Booking clicks
• Phone calls

Let the data guide your improvements, whether it’s adding more photos, updating posts, or promoting a trending service.

FAQs

1. How do I get my salon listed on Google Maps?

To get your salon listed on Google Maps, you need to create or claim your Google Business Profile. Once verified, your salon will appear in local search and on Google Maps, helping clients find you easily.

2. Does the Google booking button improve ranking?

While the ‘Book Now’ button doesn’t directly improve your Google ranking, it enhances user experience by encouraging quick action. This can lead to increased engagement, more bookings, and positive reviews.

3. Is another business appearing on Google Maps instead of yours? 

To fix this, optimise your Google Business Profile with correct info, regular updates, photos, and client reviews. You can also suggest an edit or report incorrect listings.

4. Will the Google Book Now button affect my ranking?

Indirectly, yes. The ‘Book Now’ button integrates with salon booking software, allowing clients to schedule instantly. When used actively, it can increase bookings and reduce bounce rates.

Conclusion

Ranking your salon higher on Google Maps isn’t a one-time action; it’s a set of consistent practices that build over time. When done right, local SEO becomes your salon’s most valuable marketing channel, bringing in loyal, high-intent clients on autopilot.

                  “In 2025, visibility on Maps = salon survival”.

Ready to rise on Google Maps? Start Your Free Demo Now!

With MioSalon powering your bookings, reviews, reminders, and Google integration, you don’t just compete, you dominate your local market.

How MioSalon Helps You Win Locally

1. Book a Free Demo – See MioSalon in action. Our team will walk you through the features that match your salon’s needs.

2. Personalised Onboarding – Once you’re ready, we’ll set up your account, import your data, and tailor the software to your services, team, and preferences.

3. Staff Training & Support – We’ll train your team to use the system smoothly, including appointments, payments, client records, and more.

4. Go Live – Start taking bookings, sending reminders, and managing your salon efficiently. You’re all set to shine. Start your Free Demo and see how MioSalon helps you streamline appointments, staff schedules, and client communication, all while improving salon etiquette and experience.

Want pricing info? Check out our Plans & Pricing page.