SEO Google Maps Ranking is a branch of local search engine optimization that helps a business appear higher in Google’s local pack listings. Getting listed in the local pack can significantly increase business exposure. The best part is that it can be done without spending a fortune.
Proximity is one of the most important factors in Google Maps SEO. If a user searches for “sushi restaurants near me” or “barber shops,” the businesses that are most close to their location will show up first in the results. However, simply being the closest business does not automatically rank a company higher. There are a number of other factors that determine which business is shown first.
Google’s algorithm uses a combination of factors to determine rankings for both standard search results and Maps business listings. In addition to proximity, the algorithm considers relevance and prominence. Relevance is determined by how closely a business matches the user’s query, while prominence is determined by the number of people who have reviewed the business and the quality of those reviews.
It is also important to check that the information on your Google Maps business profile is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your NAP data, which is the name, address, and phone number for your business. Your NAP data should exactly match the NAP data on your website and any other places you promote your business. Google will penalize your listing if it sees any discrepancies.
You should also include photos on your Google Maps business listing. These not only make your business look more authentic in the eyes of customers, but they can also help you rank better for certain keywords. Professionally-taken photos can make your business stand out among competitors and improve your chances of showing up in local searches. Google searches that include an image of a business receive more clicks than searches without an image.
Another way to boost your Google Maps SEO is to encourage customers to leave reviews for your business. While some experts dispute whether clicks and reviews actually influence rankings, no one can deny that they have a positive impact on visibility.
Finally, if you can afford it, running paid ads on Google Maps can also help you to boost your presence. Ultimately, this can lead to more reviews, which in turn can lead to higher rankings and more organic reach.