1. Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) Details
One of the biggest mistakes businesses in Dubai make is having inconsistent contact details across different platforms. If your Google Business Profile has one phone number, but your website or directories show a different one, Google may view your business as unreliable.
Why it matters:
- Google checks NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency to confirm your business is legitimate.
- Inconsistencies confuse potential customers, leading to lost trust.
Example: A restaurant in Downtown Dubai may have its old landline number listed on Zomato while its Google Maps profile shows a new mobile number. This mismatch hurts ranking and customer experience.
Solution: Audit your NAP details across platforms such as your website, social media, Yellow Pages UAE, and business directories. Keep everything identical.
2. Ignoring Customer Reviews
Customer reviews play a massive role in Google Maps ranking. Many Dubai businesses either ignore reviews or fail to respond to them.
Why it matters:
- Reviews influence both ranking and customer trust.
- Positive reviews improve click-through rates from Google Maps.
Case Study: A Dubai spa with only 3 reviews ranked lower than a competitor with 80 reviews, even though both had similar services. The competitor actively requested feedback and replied to every review, boosting its authority.
Solution:
- Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google Maps.
- Reply to all reviews, both positive and negative.
- Use keywords like best salon in Dubai naturally in responses.
3. Poor Category Selection
A lot of Dubai businesses select the wrong primary category for their Google Business Profile. For example, a law firm might select “consultant” instead of “lawyer.”
Why it matters:
- Selecting the correct categories helps Google understand what your business offers.
- The wrong category reduces your chances of ranking for relevant searches.
Solution: Choose the most specific category possible. For example:
- Instead of restaurants, use Pakistani restaurants in Dubai.
- Instead of stores, use an electronics repair shop in Dubai.
4. Low-Quality Photos and Media
A common mistake businesses make is uploading outdated, poor-quality, or irrelevant images to their Google Maps profile. Dubai’s customers often rely on photos to judge the quality of services or products.
Why it matters:
- Google favors active profiles with fresh content.
- High-quality images improve engagement and customer trust.
Example: A Dubai café with vibrant, professional photos of its menu items received more clicks and calls compared to competitors with blurry or generic images.
Solution:
- Tag photos with location-relevant keywords such as Dubai Marina café.
- Upload new photos regularly (interiors, team, products).
- Use short videos to showcase services.
5. Neglecting Local Keywords in Descriptions
Another major mistake is writing generic descriptions without optimizing for Dubai-related keywords. Businesses often focus only on services and ignore location-specific terms.
Why it matters:
- Google matches user search intent with local keywords.
- Descriptions without Dubai-related terms would not appear for “near me” searches.
Solution:
- Include keywords like local SEO Dubai, digital marketing Dubai, Google Maps optimization Dubai, and best business in Deira naturally in your business description.
- Avoid keyword stuffing; keep it natural and customer-friendly.
Quick Checklist: Avoiding These Mistakes
Here is a checklist to help your Dubai business optimize Google Maps SEO:
- Keep NAP consistent across all platforms.
- Collect and reply to all customer reviews.
- Select categories that best represent your business.
- Upload fresh, high-quality images and videos.
- Use Dubai-focused keywords in your descriptions.
Final Thoughts:
Ranking higher on Google Maps in Dubai is not about shortcuts; it is about consistency and following proven local SEO practices. By avoiding these common errors, your business can stay ahead of competitors who skip the fundamentals. With the right strategy, you will see more calls, visits, and customers directly from Google Maps.
At Azizi Technologies, we help Dubai businesses boost their local SEO and get noticed online. From optimizing Google Business Profiles to managing reviews and using the latest Dubai SEO strategies, our team makes sure your business stands out in local search results.
Get in touch with us today to explore our Google Maps SEO services in Dubai and start driving more leads from local customers.
