is there a certain way to market company's that are listed on google maps so they are viewed before others at top? Does it go by how many reviews and company has?
There was not search facilities for only business company listing.. One is goggle place is running for best local listing business. I think you have to try it.
Some of the bigger factors have to do with reviews, like you said, and also the amount of pictures, video, etc included in the listing. Basically, the more you fill out the profile with lots of content the better it looks. You should also increase the number of reviews and then submit them to other review sites (think Yelp, Zagat, etc).
If your information is matching most with search query then only you can see yourself at top position. There is no promotion method to rank on top for Google Maps results.
Will SEO does help to reach your goal? But I am not sure. I don't think uoften can do promotion to get top listing.
I thought it go random ? While i notice there lot of local business submit their business to google map and they able to rank top on search result . I heard one SEO company claim that it swift randomly which those local listing will keep on changes everyday .
Keywords in your title (name of business), keywords in reviews, complete business profile (pic, info, vid, etc), MANY quality reviews, categories
Make sure you business name, address and phone number are EXACTLY the same on all directory listings, review sites, etc. For example, if your address is 123 Main St, #10 then make sure that's how it's entered everywhere. Don't put 123 Main Street, #10 on one directory and then put 123 Main St, Suite 10 on another directory. Hope that's not too confusing