A Google Maps ranking is a great way for local businesses to get noticed by customers and compete against national competitors. But, the benefits of having a strong Google Maps ranking are limited to those who take the time to optimize their business listings. Here are ten ways to improve your SEO Google Maps ranking:
1. Create a Fully Completed and Claimed Google My Business Profile
A complete, verified, active Google My Business (GMB) listing is essential for SEO Google Maps rankings. In order to rank well, a GMB listing must contain the correct business name, address, phone number, website, and other relevant information. It should also be optimized with relevant keywords. The more relevant a Google My Business profile is, the higher it will rank in search results.
2. Get More Reviews
A high number of reviews on Google Maps helps a business to rank well for local searches, and it will make potential customers feel confident in purchasing a product or service. To increase reviews, businesses can ask for them on invoices or in email signatures, and they can also promote their Google My Business listing on their website to encourage reviews. There are many tools that can help businesses generate and manage reviews, including Podium, which allows businesses to ask for reviews directly from their websites.
3. Optimize Your NAP Data
NAP data refers to the business name, address, and phone number, and it is a vital component of Google Maps SEO. Google is looking for accuracy and consistency, so the information on a company’s GMB profile should match the information published on its website and anywhere else it is promoted online.
4. Build Backlinks
Building backlinks is one of the most effective ways to improve Google Maps SEO. Backlinks are links from other websites that point to yours, and they are an important part of the Google algorithm that determines search engine rankings. You can build backlinks by submitting your business information to industry-specific directories and asking for them to cite your business information, or by publishing articles in local news outlets.
5. Update Your Content Regularly
Regularly posting on your GMB will show that you’re an active business and will help your Google Maps ranking. This can include things like event updates, special offers, and other informative content. In addition, you should monitor your Google Maps ranking regularly using an analytic tool.
6. Use Professional Photos
Adding professional photos to your Google Maps listings can significantly improve your SEO Google Maps ranking, as well as provide a more authentic look in the eyes of prospective customers. It’s important to remember that not all images are accepted, and some require a permit from your city or town.
7. Use a Local Search Monitoring Tool
Using a local search monitoring tool like Semrush can give you a detailed look at how your Google Maps ranking is evolving over time. This will help you stay on top of changes and make necessary optimizations to your business listings.