Many people use Google to look for churches in their area. When someone searches for “church near me,” “Sunday services,” or a type of ministry, the results they see depend heavily on how well a church’s information is set up online.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that a few basic practices consistently help churches appear more clearly in local searches.
Below are the steps I recommend because they are simple, repeatable, and directly tied to how Google displays local organizations.
1. Claim and Complete Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile controls how your church appears on Google Maps and in local search results. Claiming and verifying this listing gives you access to the information people see first.
I recommend filling out every section:
- Service times
- Address and contact information
- Overview of your church
- Links to your website
- Ministry photos
This profile often receives more views than the website itself, so accuracy matters.
Story Hill Church, which was planted by my buddy Pastor Josh Koskinen, has a complete Google Business Profile as shown below
2. Ask for Google Reviews Regularly
Google reviews help confirm that people are attending and interacting with your church. A steady flow of reviews indicates ongoing activity, which can improve visibility.
Encouraging members to leave reviews after services or events works well. Reviews that include photos taken inside the building are especially helpful because they often contain location data.
There’s no need to collect large batches at once. A small number of reviews gathered consistently is more effective.
Take, for example, Thrive Church in Vacaville, which was planted by Pastor Andy Bernard. It has been collecting tons of reviews, as you can see from their profile below.
3. Use a QR Code to Make Reviews Easier
A practical way to increase the number of reviews is to create a QR code that directs people to your Google review page. When the process is simple, more people participate.
You can place the QR code in:
- Welcome materials
- Visitor areas
- Event handouts
- Follow-up emails
- Volunteer communications
This removes friction and lets members contribute at their convenience.
4. Add Photos to Your Google Listing on a Regular Basis
Photos help represent the life of your church and let Google know the listing is being maintained.
Uploading images for different ministries, events, and services gives people an accurate understanding of what to expect.
Phone photos work fine. They reflect the environment naturally and usually include useful metadata.
New Life Church in Lewisville, planted by my buddy Pastor Bryan Larson, is a good example that regularly uploads photos to its Google profile.
5. Keep Your Website Straightforward and Current
While Google Maps plays a major role in local searches, your website supports that by giving visitors the details they’re looking for.
Clear information to include:
- Service times
- What to expect
- Directions
- Ministry descriptions
- Event details
- Real photos of your people and building
A simple “Plan Your Visit” page can help new guests prepare.
The goal is to make essential details easy to find.
6. Keep Information Consistent Across All Platforms
Google checks your church’s information across the internet. If the name, address, or service times differ from one place to another, it can create confusion.
Matching information on the media below helps reinforce accuracy and improve search reliability.:
- Your website
- Google Business Profile
- Online directories
7. Update Online Information From Time to Time
Periodic updates show that your church is active.
Adding event details, seasonal service times, new ministry information, or photos provides signals that the information is fresh.
These kinds of updates don’t need to be extensive. Small changes made occasionally help Google understand that your church is operating normally.
8. Involve Your Congregation When Appropriate
Members can contribute by leaving reviews, sharing photos, and engaging with your online content.
Their participation supports the overall visibility of your church.
Simple reminders in services, small groups, or emails often result in natural, steady activity.
9. Approach Local Church SEO as Ongoing Maintenance
Improving local visibility is less about major changes and more about routine upkeep. Verifying information, adding reviews, uploading photos, and making periodic updates tend to have the greatest impact over time.
These steps help Google recognize your church as an active location and present accurate information to people searching in your area.
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