Google Maps is a powerful tool that can significantly support local SEO by ensuring a company’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs) and in Google Maps listings. While many factors impact a local business’s ranking, some of the most important include prominence, relevance, and authority.
In order to rank higher in Google Maps, businesses need to optimize their local GMB profile and ensure that it reflects the actual location of the company. This is important because Google has stated that it will prioritize results from a certain place, as well as those that are close to the searcher’s current location.
This means that if a user searches for an Italian restaurant in Athens, the top three results in the Google Maps pack will be those from restaurants in Athens. To rank high in the Google Maps pack, it is necessary to have an optimized business listing that accurately reflects the company’s location and the products or services offered there.
One of the most effective ways to increase a company’s Google Maps website ranking is by increasing the number of positive reviews on the business listing. The more positive reviews a company has, the more likely it is to appear in the local pack. Aside from encouraging customers to leave a review, business owners can also promote their Google Maps listing by including the link on their invoices or in their email signatures.
Another way to improve a Google Maps website ranking is by having a website that is responsive across all devices. Nearly 60% of Google searches occur on mobile devices, so it is important for businesses to have a website that is responsive to all users and will work regardless of the device used to access the site.
Additionally, a business can also improve its Google Maps website ranking by updating their information frequently. Google has stated that it rewards businesses with accurate information, so it is important for companies to keep their Google My Business profile updated with the latest and most relevant information about their company. It is also important to avoid duplicate Google My Business profiles because Google will only reward one profile for being the most relevant.
In order to rank high in the Google Maps pack, a business must have a highly optimized local GMB profile and an authoritative and trustworthy website. Additionally, it is important for businesses to track their Google Maps and regular SERP rankings, preferably through the use of rank monitoring tools that allow them to filter out organic search terms and view only Google Maps results. With the help of a tool like Semrush’s Listing Management, businesses can have an accurate picture of their Google Maps website ranking as they make improvements to their local listing and ensure that it is always reflecting the most up-to-date information. This tool will also enable businesses to see how their competitors are ranking in the Google Maps pack so that they can compete effectively.