Google Maps is a powerful tool that helps businesses get noticed in local searches, which can ultimately lead to more traffic and sales. However, ranking well on Google Maps is no easy feat. Google uses fine-tuned algorithms to determine what search results are shown. As a result, it’s important for business to stay on top of their local SEO strategy.
The key to ranking highly on Google Maps is a well-optimized business profile. This involves four primary local search focus areas: business data, local landing pages, off-page visibility, and online reputation.
Getting to the top of the Google Maps pack can take months, but it is possible to achieve. Below are a few tips to help you optimize your Google Maps website ranking and make the most of this powerful marketing tool.
First, ensure that you have a mobile-friendly site. Nearly 60% of all Google searches are conducted on mobile devices, and Google is likely to prioritize websites that provide a good user experience on smartphones. This means that your website must load quickly, without requiring pinching or zooming. A mobile-friendly website can also boost your Google Maps prominence by signaling to Google that you are a well-known and established brand in the local area.
Second, add an engaging description to your business listing. This description should provide the big picture of your company to orient visitors, as well as your unique attributes that compel searchers to visit. It’s also important to use keyword phrases within the description, which can further improve your Google Maps search ranking.
Third, encourage your customers to leave reviews on your business’s Google Maps profile. A high number of positive reviews can significantly increase your business’s prominence on Google Maps, so it’s important to encourage and reward your customers for leaving feedback. Moreover, reviews can have a major impact on your ranking in organic search as well.
Finally, weed out duplicate Google Business Profiles. These can occur due to an intern who created a profile years ago, or an unscrupulous actor trying to manipulate your ranking (either by creating fake reviews or by “review-bombing” you). Fortunately, Semrush’s Listing Management tool automatically monitors and maintains your Google Business Profile to weed out these duplicates.
With Google Maps playing such a critical role in local search, it’s essential for businesses to regularly assess their Google Maps website ranking and make sure that all of their information is up to date and correct. This will give them peace of mind that their Google Maps rankings are in good hands and that they are making the most of one of the most effective local marketing tools available. Using Semrush’s Listing Management tool and other rank monitoring tools can help you keep a finger on the pulse of your Google Maps ranking. Get started for free today!