How to Rank on Local Search in Malaysia for Free (No Ads Needed)

If you run a small business in Malaysia, you’ve probably been told you “need to be online.” But for many, the concern isn’t just being online — it’s being found. Some business owners think ranking high on Google requires paid ads or expensive marketing. But here’s the good news:

You can improve your local search visibility completely for free.

And the best part? Local SEO isn’t rocket science — it starts with one tool: Google Business Profile (GBP).

Why Local SEO Matters in Malaysia

Search has become the go-to way for Malaysians to discover products, services, and even directions to a shop. In fact, Google holds a 94.07% search engine market share in Malaysia as of May 2025.

So, if your business doesn’t show up when someone searches for your service — say, “nasi lemak near me” or “furniture shop in Puchong” — you’re losing out on potential customers who are ready to buy.

According to Google, 88% of people who do a local search on their smartphone visit a related store within a week. That’s a huge opportunity for SMEs.

What Is Local SEO (in Simple Terms)?

Local SEO is how you help your business appear in searches made by people near you. It’s how your kedai makan, clinic, or boutique gets shown in Google results when someone nearby searches for what you offer.

It’s different from general SEO. Local SEO focuses on:

• Relevance – Are you offering what the searcher needs?
• Distance – How close is your business to the searcher?
• Prominence – How well-known and trusted is your business (reviews, links, etc.)?

And it all starts with your Google Business Profile.

Your Free Ticket to Local Visibility: Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free tool that lets you control how your business appears on Google Maps and in the local “3-pack” — the top three local results that show up before the usual website links.

When set up properly, GBP helps you:

• Appear on Google Maps when people search nearby
• Show up in “near me” or “location + service” queries
• Display your business hours, contact info, photos, and reviews
• Get leads through phone calls, direction requests, and messaging

If you’re not on GBP, you’re invisible to thousands of nearby searches.

How to Set Up and Optimise Your Google Business Profile

1. Claim or Create Your Listing

• Go to google.com/business and claim your business.
• Verify your business according to the instructions (methods may vary depending on your business type).

2. Fill Out Complete & Accurate Info

• Name, Address, Phone – must match other listings and your website.
• Category – choose the one that best matches your business.
• Hours – keep this updated, especially during holidays.
• Business Description – use relevant keywords naturally, like “pet grooming in Bangi” or “legal services in Johor Bahru.”

3. Add High-Quality Photos

• Google recommends uploading photos and your logo to show your business’s personality and attract customers.
• Upload:
  • Exterior (help people find you)
  • Interior
  • Staff in action
  • Menu, price list, or service info

4. Use Posts & Offers (Optional)

• Post updates, promotions, events – like social media but on your GBP.
• These boost engagement and keep your profile active.

Don’t Overlook Bing Places (Yes, It’s Still Relevant)

While Google dominates the Malaysian search market with a massive share, Bing holds a modest 2.99% — and you might be tempted to ignore it.

But it is always a good idea to work on Bing Places, especially if you already have a GBP. You can simply sync your GBP with Bing Places, at a selected interval!

Here’s why you should list your business on Bing Places:

1. Less Competition, Easier Wins

Many businesses don’t bother with Bing Places, which means less competition and an easier chance to show up at the top of local search results.

2. The Google Antitrust Lawsuit Might Change Things

With ongoing lawsuits and regulatory pressure on Google, the search landscape could shift. Bing is positioning itself as a viable alternative, especially with AI-powered search now built into Bing via ChatGPT.

3. Bing Search has the Potential

A recent study found that 1 in 3 users who try Bing for two weeks continue using it. With Microsoft integrating Bing into its products (Edge browser, Windows search, Copilot), its user base may keep growing.

4. Every Extra Lead Counts

Even if Bing sends you just a few visitors per month, those could be highly qualified customers. Why miss out, especially when listing on Bing Places is free?

Get & Manage Reviews

Customer reviews aren’t just about showing off — they actually play a big role in how Google ranks your business in local search results.

Google looks at three key things:

• Quantity – how many people are reviewing you.
• Quality – what they’re saying and the star rating.
• Recency – how recently reviews were posted.

More Reviews = More Trust (Usually)

A steady stream of reviews shows that your business is active and trusted by real people. Businesses with a higher number of reviews are generally more likely to show up in the “Local Pack” (the top 3 local listings shown on Google).

But…

Quality Matters More Than Just Numbers

Google’s algorithm is smart. It doesn’t just count how many stars you have — it also considers the content of the reviews. Here’s what helps:

• Keywords related to your service or product (e.g. “great dental service in Shah Alam”)
• Specific, helpful experiences (“The staff was friendly, and booking online was easy”)
• Consistent 4-5 star ratings over time

In short: 20 thoughtful reviews over a few months can be more valuable than 100 vague or spammy ones.

How to Get More Reviews (Ethically)

• Ask personally: After a good service experience, just say, “Would you mind leaving us a Google review?”
• Make it easy: Send your Google review link via WhatsApp or email.
• Train your staff: Make it a habit to gently ask satisfied customers.
• Use signage: Place a “Review us on Google” sign at your shop counter.

Always Respond – Good or Bad

Responding to reviews shows you’re active and that you care about your customers. Even a simple “Thank you for your feedback!” helps.

If you get a bad review:

• Stay calm and polite
• Apologise if needed and explain
• Offer to make it right, if possible

💡 Pro tip: A few negative reviews won’t ruin your profile — they actually make your listing more believable. The key is how you respond.

NAP Consistency: A Simple Yet Powerful Factor

NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number

Make sure your details are consistent across:

• Your website
• Google Business Profile
• Facebook, Instagram
• Local directories (YellowPages directory, Recommend.my directory etc.)

Why it matters: Google cross-references this info to verify legitimacy. Inconsistent info lowers trust — and visibility.

Do Local Listings Help?

Yes — absolutely.

Local directories (like YellowPages and niche directories) boost your online footprint. These listings:

• Increase your business mentions online (called “citations”)
• Strengthen your GBP ranking by confirming your info
• Create backlinks that improve general SEO

The more trustworthy sources mention your business, the more confident Google is about showing you in search results.

Optional but Powerful: Support With a Website

Having a website is not required for Google Business Profile — but it helps a lot.

A website:

• Gives you more control over your brand and content
• Helps confirm your location and services
• Improves credibility and trust
• Enables tracking with tools like Google Analytics

💡 Bonus: Leads from search engines (organic traffic) are often more qualified than social media ads — because users are actively looking for what you offer.

Final Thoughts: Local SEO Is Free, Simple, and Powerful

If you’re a Malaysian SME, you don’t need a big marketing budget to compete locally. Google gives you the tools — you just need to use them.

Start with:

• A complete and optimised Google Business Profile (and Bing Places later on)
• Consistent NAP across listings
• Reviews and regular updates

It might seem small, but these actions can bring in more foot traffic, phone calls, and real customers.