Google Maps is one of the most powerful local search engine optimization tools available to business owners. However, it’s important to understand that there are several different factors that affect a website’s Maps ranking.
The good news is that you can influence most of these factors by making small changes to your website and marketing strategy. In this article, we’ll provide a few tips that will help you improve your Google Maps website ranking and get more customers in the door.
Prominence
The most important factor in Google Maps is prominence, which is based on the perceived visibility of your business both online and offline. This includes your GMB listings, organic search positions, social media signals, and even backlinks. Prominence is a tough nut to crack, but it’s crucial for your business’s local SEO success.
Reviews
Reviews are a key component of the Maps algorithm and a powerful way to improve your local business reputation. A recent study by BrightLocal found that 91% of consumers are more likely to choose a business with a positive review. To improve your Maps ranking, you should focus on proactively asking satisfied customers for reviews and encouraging them to leave positive feedback on Google. You can do this by sharing the link to your Google Business Profile, posting on your social media accounts, or including a link on your invoices and flyers.
Verification
One of the most overlooked aspects of local SEO is verification. When you add a location to your GMB listing, it’s imperative that you verify that address by phone or email. This helps to confirm your business’s identity with Google and shows that you care about customer satisfaction. This can make a significant difference in your Maps rankings, especially when competing with unverified competitors.
Proximity
The proximity of a searcher to a business’s location is another ranking factor that can have a huge impact on your local Maps ranking. This can be affected by many factors, including the quality of your GMB listing, citations, and backlinks. However, a recent update to the Maps algorithm (the Vicinity Update) placed more emphasis on proximity than ever before.
Image
A high-quality, relevant image is a great way to boost your Google Maps ranking. It’s also a great way to attract more customers and increase your brand’s credibility. Make sure to include images that are unique and relevant to your business, as well as to use consistent image formats throughout your website and social media channels.