Google Maps is one of the most widely used tools when searching for local products or services. As a result, it’s a critical component of SEO for business growth and establishing a strong online presence. However, many people don’t know how to optimize their Google maps listing to get more traffic and leads.
In 2022, it’s essential that your clients take the right steps to boost their Google Maps ranking. If they aren’t listed within the “map pack,” which appears at the top of the page in 93 percent of searches, their customers will never find them. Luckily, there are several strategies they can use to improve their local SEO and rank well in Google Maps.
The first step is making sure the client’s Google Business Profile (GBP) is complete, claimed, and verified. A GBP that’s fully optimized with high-quality images and relevant keywords has a much better chance of showing up in search results for localized queries. It’s also important to ensure the GBP is active by publishing fresh content, updating hours, and interacting with commenters.
Another key aspect of local SEO is getting citations from relevant local websites. These are vital to improving a Maps ranking, as they demonstrate that the business is a trusted source of information. The best way to increase the number of citations is to ask local partners, such as chambers of commerce and tourism boards, to list the company in their directory. This can be done through email or phone. It’s also important to avoid citations that are duplicate or incorrect, as this can hurt a business’s ranking.
Once the GBP and citations are in place, it’s time to focus on optimization. This includes the on-page SEO on the website and off-page SEO, which is done through reviews, social media, directories, articles, and backlinks. Google looks at these factors when determining a Maps ranking.
Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that Google is constantly changing the rules for local search. For example, in 2016, the company redesigned the “map pack” to show only three business listings instead of seven. This change, which many people refer to as “the 3-pack” or the “local pack,” has dramatically changed how businesses rank in Google Maps.
Getting into the local pack is crucial for any local business, but it’s not as easy as just adding a Google Business Profile and getting a few good reviews. There are a variety of factors that determine how well a business ranks in Google Maps, and some of them may be more important than others. Understanding how Google chooses which businesses to display in the map pack can help you optimize your client’s Google Maps listing and increase their chances of landing on top. The key to success is understanding what’s working and what isn’t, and then adjusting your strategy accordingly. If you’re ready to see your clients’ Google Maps rankings increase, contact us now for a free consultation.