Google Maps Ranking is a key component of local SEO that can drive traffic, store visits and sales. With voice search continuing to grow in popularity, getting your business on the map is more important than ever. A well-optimized Google My Business profile and a comprehensive SEO strategy are two important tools that can help you rank on Google Maps and stay there for good.
Google uses a complex set of algorithms to determine its top local search results, known as the “Google Maps Pack,” which features three highlighted businesses (it used to be seven) for each relevant search query. These are often the most prominent results in a search, which makes them highly desirable for local businesses. Getting featured in the Google Maps Pack can significantly increase visibility for your business and can even result in an entirely new source of customers.
The Google Maps algorithm is comprised of several factors that determine the location of search results, including relevance, distance and prominence. These factors are constantly changing, but you can optimize your Google My Business profile, website and other online listings to improve your chance of showing up in the Maps Pack for a given search query.
Relevance is determined by how closely your business matches the search query, as well as how long your Google My Business profile has been active. Ensure that your business name, address and phone number are consistent across all platforms to maximize your relevancy score. You can also boost your relevancy by optimizing your product and service listings with appropriate keywords and providing accurate details about what you offer.
Another important factor is your proximity to the searcher, which can be determined by your Google My Business Profile’s address and the user’s current location. This was recently boosted by the Google Vicinity Update, which added more weight to your business’s proximity to the searcher. The final, and arguably most important, ranking factor is prominence, which Google explains as a combination of your website’s organic position and GMB reviews and ratings.
Optimizing your Google My Business Profile and ensuring that all information is up to date is one of the best things you can do to increase your chances of being shown in the Maps Pack. You can also boost your Maps ranking by adding schema markup to your NAP information, which helps Google understand the structure of the data it is evaluating and can help it place your listing higher. Lastly, you can use a tool like Semrush to track and analyze your Google Maps ranking over time.
While optimizing for Google Maps may seem challenging, it can be a great way to drive traffic and attract customers to your business. By focusing on your Google Maps ranking each month, you can nurture the areas that need improvement and maintain a strong position in the search results. With the right tools, a little bit of effort and a lot of patience, your Google Maps ranking can continue to rise and give you an edge over your competitors.