The most important part of any local SEO strategy is to rank well in Google Maps. This is because it allows your business to stand out above competitors and generate more traffic and sales. However, getting to the top of Google Maps rankings isn’t easy. There are many factors that Google takes into account when ranking business listings. In this article, we will look at 10 tips that will help you to optimize your Google Maps rankings and improve your visibility in the local pack.
Make your website mobile friendly
One of the most important factors in Google’s Maps ranking algorithm is how mobile-friendly a business’s website is. This means that your website should load quickly, even on 3G, and it should render properly on all device types (e.g., tablets, smartphones, and desktops). Google also favors websites that have rich keyword content, so be sure to include keywords in your site’s content.
Use social media to your advantage
Using your business’s social media accounts can help you boost your Google Maps rankings. This is because Google looks at how engaged a business’s followers are on its social channels. If you have a lot of followers, this will show Google that your business is popular and that it has authority in the industry.
Use photos to your advantage
Your Google Maps business listing’s photo is an important factor in determining your rankings. It should be high-quality, relevant to your business, and represent an authentic picture of your business. Also, it is important to keep your business’s photo updated as often as possible.
Get more reviews
Having more positive Google reviews is one of the best ways to boost your Google Maps ranking. This is because Google prioritizes businesses with more positive reviews. Positive reviews are more likely to encourage clicks from users, which can then lead to higher rankings.
Keep your Google listings accurate
Google wants to provide users with the most up-to-date information possible. Incorrect listings can result in frustration and distrust among potential customers. To avoid this, ensure that your Google business listings are accurate at all times. This includes your name, address, phone number, and other NAP data.
Consider using a tool like Localo to keep track of your business’s NAP data and keep it up to date. Additionally, consider adding your business to directories that list NAP data for other local businesses. This will increase the chances of your NAP being included in a citation on another website or directory.
Keep up with changes
Google constantly updates its search algorithms, and these changes affect how businesses rank in both organic and Google Maps searches. In order to maintain a competitive edge, businesses should continually nurture their SEO efforts by analyzing KPI goals and tracking percentages of growth. In addition, they should stay on top of local changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. This will allow them to outrank their competitors and remain in the first place in Google Maps.