Google Maps Ranking is a vital component of local SEO and can help your business generate more website traffic, customer phone calls and sign-ups. Getting your business to appear in the top 3 spots in Google’s Maps Pack will not only increase your online reach, but also significantly boost the number of footfalls at your physical store and business premises.
While many people believe that filling out a business’s Google My Business profile is all they need to do in order to rank well on Google Maps, it is actually much more complex than that. To rank high on Google maps, businesses need to perform comprehensive optimizations across a variety of factors.
One of the most important steps is to make sure that your business name, address and phone number are correct. Incorrect NAP data can have serious consequences for your business’s visibility on Google Maps, which can also damage your overall Google search rankings.
Another critical factor is the quality of reviews your business receives. Google’s algorithm for displaying results on Google Maps relies heavily on positive feedback from customers, which can give your business an edge over competitors. This is why it’s so important to encourage your customers to leave a review on your GMB listing.
It’s a good idea to use a local business listing management tool such as Semrush to check your average local position and Heatmap to see if there are any areas for improvement. Both tools will help you discover and resolve errors in your Google My Business listing and keep track of reviews, photos and other important information that can impact your Maps ranking.
In addition to ensuring that your NAP data is accurate, it’s crucial to choose the right categories for your business. Choosing the right category will not only improve your Maps ranking but it can also increase your impressions for other local keywords. In order to determine the best GMB categories for your business, you should take into account the type of products and services your business provides.
You should also make sure that your secondary categories match the main category of your business. This will ensure that your GMB ranking is consistent and relevant to the search terms you’re targeting.
Finally, you should be sure to remove spam listings from Google Maps as soon as possible. These may include a fake location, an inaccurate description or a competitor’s name. Once you have detected a spam listing, you can report it using the Google My Business redressal form.
With the right strategy, you can maximize your Google Maps ranking and reap all of the benefits that come with it. As more consumers turn to Google Maps for locally-relevant search results, it is more important than ever to optimize and monitor your Google My Business profile. With the tips above, you can get your business to rank well on Google Maps and drive more customers to your store or website.