SEO Google Maps Ranking is an important part of a holistic online marketing strategy for local businesses. Unlike traditional search engine optimization, which focuses on keywords and links, local Maps SEO is all about polishing a business’s online presence and establishing it as a valued member of the community. By nurturing the different aspects of local SEO each month, businesses can increase their SERP and visibility on Google Maps business listings. This can be done by setting KPI goals or utilizing rank monitoring tools.
The first step in getting your clients higher on Google Maps is to ensure that they have claimed their business listing. This is because Google can’t provide as much information about a business listing if it hasn’t been claimed. It’s also possible to add more photos and information about the business, which will help improve its overall ranking.
When a potential customer searches for a sushi restaurant in their area or a barber shop, they will often visit the business that appears highest on Google Maps. This is because consumers rely on business ratings, reviews, and online reputation to determine whether a company will serve their needs.
Having a robust online presence with high-quality images, relevant keyword-focused content, and a mobile-friendly website is a must for businesses looking to rank well on Google Maps. In addition, ensuring that all of the relevant information about a business is correct and up-to-date will help improve its chances of appearing in the Google Map pack, which consists of three businesses that appear at the top of location-based search results.
Another factor that can improve a Google Maps ranking is having a consistent name and address across all online directories. Google has stated that it favors listings with consistent data over those with inconsistencies. A consistent name and address signals to both Google and consumers that a business is trustworthy, which can help it achieve a better ranking.
Additionally, encouraging customers to leave a review on a business’s Google Business Profile can have a positive impact on its ranking. Google favors listings with positive reviews, as it is a good indicator of the quality of a business. To encourage more reviews, businesses can host special offers and promotions, ask satisfied customers for feedback, or simply encourage them to share their experiences on social media.
Finally, a Google Maps ranking can be improved by using Google Ads to place a business’s listing at the top of search results. While these paid ads don’t have the same long-term effect as SEO, they can boost a business’s visibility in the short-term and help it gain more clicks, reviews, and links, which are all valuable ranking factors. It’s also important to monitor Google Maps rankings regularly, either manually or using a rank tracking tool, to keep track of the results of your local SEO efforts and identify areas that need improvement. By making these changes, you can help your clients increase their visibility on Google Maps and drive more traffic to their websites and physical locations.