When consumers search for a local product or service, Google often displays map listings before presenting organic search results. In fact, research shows that being featured in Google’s “local pack” results in more clicks and website traffic for the business listed. That’s why it’s important for businesses to optimize their Google My Business (GMB) listing and monitor their Google Maps Ranking.
To improve your GMB ranking, start by double checking that all of the information in your listing is correct. In particular, make sure your NAP data—name, address, phone number—matches exactly across your website and anywhere else you promote it. Similarly, the categories you choose to classify your business in GMB should reflect the core offering of your company. You can also add additional categories to your business profile via the GMB dashboard.
Next, focus on building reviews for your business. Having multiple, positive reviews can significantly improve your Google Maps ranking. In addition, it’s a good idea to provide a way for customers to easily review your business, such as through email, website, or social media. When possible, encourage your existing clients to leave a review by placing a link to do so on your invoices, business cards, or emails.
Finally, consider implementing a paid advertising campaign to boost your visibility in the Google map listings. Paid ads are a great way to get your name in front of a new audience and can help your business stand out from the competition, which can be especially competitive for small businesses with limited budgets.
The Google Maps algorithm uses different criteria to provide search results, and it uses the same elements as traditional SEO—keywords and search phrases. To maximize your chance of appearing in Google’s local pack, ensure that the keywords and search phrases most relevant to your business are used throughout your GMB profile.
A well-optimized GMB profile should have a complete business description, accurate photos, and updated hours of operation. Google also gives priority to listings that are verified and active, so claiming your business listing, publishing regular posts, and interacting with your customers will all give you the best chance of boosting your Maps ranking.
While optimizing your Google My Business listing can dramatically boost your Maps ranking, it’s not enough to dominate the search engine results pages (SERPs). For the best rankings, you need to focus on enhancing your website with local keywords and creating content that answers the questions searchers are asking. This includes providing relevant, informative blog articles and using the right keywords in your title tags and meta descriptions. In addition, ensuring that your website is responsive to all devices is essential, as nearly 60% of Google searches are done on mobile phones. If your website requires pinching and zooming or is difficult to navigate on mobile, your Google Maps ranking may suffer as a result. This is why it’s critical to use the right Florida SEO company to monitor and manage your online presence.