Whether it’s finding a restaurant in an unfamiliar neighborhood or a mechanic to fix a flat tire, Google Maps is the first place most people turn when looking for local products and services. As such, ranking highly on the Maps pack can significantly improve the number of views, clicks and paying customers for your business.
While there are a number of SEO tactics that can be used to boost your Google Maps rankings, the most effective strategies often revolve around four primary local search focus areas: business data, local landing pages, off-page visibility and online reputation. To make sure your Maps rankings stay strong, it’s important to track how you rank regularly and implement changes accordingly.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, user-friendly tool that can help you monitor your Google Maps rankings, Pro Rank Tracker is one of the best options available. This free tool allows you to enter keywords and a location, and it will display your business’s Google Maps ranking in a graphical chart. It also provides information on competitors, which can be useful for improving your own rankings.
Another way to boost your Maps ranking is by adding relevant keyword phrases to your website and business listing. Having these words in your content can help Google associate your site with the query, making it more likely to appear in the Maps pack for those searches. Additionally, it’s important to have accurate and consistent data on your business profile, including name, address, phone number and website.
It’s also crucial to build a solid local online presence with positive reviews and high-quality inbound links. Local citations, which are mentions of your business on third-party directories, are an essential part of any local SEO strategy and can play a major role in how you rank in the Google Maps Pack.
A great way to encourage positive reviews is by engaging with your clients. Responding to both good and bad feedback can show your customers that you value their opinion and could ultimately increase your Google Maps ranking. Additionally, responding to reviews shows that your business is active on social media, which can also improve your Maps ranking.
Appearing in the top three spots of the Google Maps Pack can dramatically improve sign-ups, footfalls and other desirable conversions for your business. However, securing that spot can take months if you’re in a competitive business category. Fortunately, there are a number of paid ad options that can expedite the process and get your business in front of potential customers more quickly.