When it comes to local search, Google Maps offers a unique opportunity for businesses to stand out from competitors and secure new business opportunities. But Google Maps is a complex ecosystem that requires constant attention and optimizations in order to get your listing found by local searchers. In this article, we will go over ten ways that you can optimize your Google Maps website ranking to increase visibility and generate more traffic.
The first thing that you can do is ensure that your Google Business Profile is fully optimized for the relevant keywords. This includes ensuring that the services you offer are accurately categorized and that any related keywords are added into the business description. Google also pays close attention to the number of reviews that you obtain, as well as how quickly and actively you respond to those reviews.
Another great way to improve your Google Maps ranking is by using local links. This means ensuring that any backlinks you have come from high-quality websites that are located within your local service area. This can be done through link outreach campaigns or by simply leveraging the existing authority of your website.
While it may seem like a no-brainer, you should always make sure that the phone number on your Google Maps listing is correct. This is a major factor in how Google will rank your business, as it will use the number to determine whether or not the location is a valid one. Additionally, it is important to use a local phone number and not a toll-free number, as this will further help you rank higher.
Google also takes into account the amount of time that users spend on your business’s website. While this is not a direct ranking factor, it does provide a good indication of the quality of your content and overall user experience.
Lastly, you should also focus on creating and promoting relevant social media content that can be linked to your Google Maps business listing. This can be done through the posts feature of your Google My Business dashboard, which will then appear on your business’s Google Maps page and send a signal to Google that you are active and engaged with your community.
All of these tactics and strategies will ultimately help you to rank higher on Google Maps and enjoy the benefits that come with a strong visibility in the local ecosystem. By continuing to nurture the four primary local SEO focus areas (business data, local landing pages, social signals, and off-page visibility) each month, you can continue to grow your Google Maps listing position and reap the rewards that come with it.