Getting a business listed on Google Maps is an essential part of local SEO. It boosts online visibility and helps customers find the store, and thereby enhances conversion rates. However, it is important to know the right techniques to ensure that your Google Maps ranking stays high and you get the most business from this.
Google’s algorithm for local search focuses on three main areas: relevance, distance and prominence. Relevance refers to the match between a search query and the information in your business’s GMB profile. Distance is how close the searcher is to the location of the business, while prominence is how high the business ranks in a list of results. To rank higher on Google Maps, make sure your business’s information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes the business name, address, and phone number (NAP).
While Google’s algorithm for local searches is a bit different from organic search, on-page and off-page SEO are still important in getting businesses to rank highly on Google Maps. This is because your Google Business Profile listing is the only way that people can see your business’s location, and it is often the first place where a potential customer will see your business name and contact information.
One of the most important things to do is to make sure that your GMB listing’s primary business categories are a good match for your target keywords. Many businesses set up their GMB profiles and only fill out bare-bones information, but it is essential to do a full audit of your GMB to make sure that you haven’t accidentally set your primary business category as something that doesn’t fit your keywords.
Another important factor to consider is that your Google Business Profile listing should be consistent across all the other online listings where your business is listed. Having consistent information across your online listings is not only important for Maps rankings, but it also increases the trust level of consumers searching for your business and can help you get more reviews on your listing.
Adding photos to your Google Business Profile is another great way to boost your listing’s visibility and improve your SEO. Photos can add a lot of visual appeal and authenticity to your business, which is a crucial factor in establishing brand credibility. It’s a good idea to include a photo of your physical location as well, since this can increase the likelihood that someone will visit your store.
Social signals are a big part of the local SEO equation, and Google’s algorithm for Maps uses social signals to determine the quality of a business’s information. Incorporate social media into your marketing strategy, and monitor your online reputation regularly so that you can respond to negative reviews quickly. This will keep your map rankings and your overall SEO on track.