Google Maps Ranking is a crucial part of Local SEO, as it ensures the visibility of your business on Google Search and Google Maps. It also helps you get more organic traffic to your website and attracts potential customers from your local area.
Google considers many factors to rank your GMB listing in the local pack, including citations and reviews. You can take several steps to improve your rankings in the local pack, but the most important one is optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile. This includes completing the basic information, verifying your listing, and updating your NAP (name, phone number, address). In addition, it’s a good idea to check your competitor’s listings regularly and update any incorrect details.
It’s also vital to make sure that your GMB categories perfectly fit your business, and that you are targeting the correct keywords. For example, you should not try to cram keywords into your business name or category, as this could lead to a Google warning or even result in your business being recategorized.
A well-optimized website is another key factor that can help you boost your Google Maps rankings. Incorporating schema markup on your website can help Google better understand the information on your business listing. For example, you can add your location in your website header or embed a Google Map on your contact page to demonstrate to Google that your business is prominent in your area.
Building a solid local citation network is also essential for your Maps ranking. Find a variety of high-quality citation sources, and be sure to monitor your progress with a tool that provides you with a local citation score. Some examples of great local citation sources include industry-specific publications, conference websites, and city-run websites (such as chambers of commerce).
Another crucial element in your local optimization strategy is to build positive customer reviews. The higher your business’s review count, the better your Google Maps ranking will be. To encourage your customers to leave a review, offer incentives like discounts, free samples, and coupons. You should also answer your customer reviews in a professional manner, offering guidance, help, or refunds whenever possible.
The most effective way to improve your Google Maps ranking is by tracking your performance over time. This can be done with a tool that offers local ranking tracking, such as Semrush’s Listing Management tool. You can use this tool to see how your Google Maps ranking has changed over time and whether any particular tactics have impacted your results.
Getting to the top of the local pack is no easy task. There are numerous factors to optimize and a lot of competition. But with the right approach, you can increase your chances of making it to the top spot. And once you do, it’s important to keep up the effort because your rankings will likely fluctuate over time. With a consistent optimization strategy and a clear understanding of your local ranking performance, you can maximize your chances of landing on the first page of the local pack.