SEO Google Maps Ranking is a key component of any local online marketing strategy. A high-ranking Google Maps business listing can attract new customers, increase foot traffic, and generate leads. However, many companies struggle to optimize their Google Business Profiles for SEO. This article provides 10 tips that will help you improve your local SEO and rank higher on Google Maps.
1. Review and Ratings
Reviews are a major part of the Google Maps algorithm. A business with a lot of positive reviews will rank higher than businesses that don’t. Aside from building trust with potential clients, a large number of reviews can also increase sales and conversion rates. To get more reviews, encourage customers to leave comments on the business website, and provide links that make it easy for people to leave a review.
2. Schema
Structured data is one of the most effective tools for boosting SEO on Google Maps. The use of schema allows Google to read and understand the information on your website more easily. Adding schema to your site’s address, opening hours, and social media profiles can help you boost your local search rankings. You can check the status of your structured data by using Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
3. Prominence
Google’s documentation claims that prominence is based on how well known a business is both offline and online. To measure this, they take into account a variety of factors, including GMB reviews, ratings, and backlinks.
4. Location
A business’s location plays a huge role in its Google Maps ranking. If a business is too far away from the location of their target audience, it will be difficult to compete with other nearby competitors in their industry. To improve their Google Maps ranking, a local business should focus on optimizing its website and content with relevant keywords that describe their product or service.
5. Proximity
The proximity of a business to the location of its target audience is another important factor in Google Maps ranking. A business that is close to its audience will have a better chance of appearing in the Google Maps pack, which is a group of three business listings that appears at the top of local searches. Aside from optimizing the Google Business Profile and website with relevant keywords, a business should also invest in paid ads to boost its position in the Google Maps pack.