Google Maps is a powerful search engine that helps users find nearby businesses and services. If your business is highly visible on Google Maps, you can attract more customers and grow your reach. However, you need to follow some steps in order to rank your business higher on Google Maps.
Prominence
The prominence factor is a tricky one to pin down, but it seems that your overall brand visibility has some impact on your Google Maps ranking. That includes both online and offline factors, such as your website organic position, GMB reviews, ratings, and backlinks. But the most important factor is how well known your brand is in your local area, which is probably influenced by your offline reputation and popularity (which may also be a reason why big brands tend to perform better on Google Maps than small ones).
Local Search
Another major ranking factor is whether your business matches the search query made by a user. This is based on the relevance of your business to the searcher, as well as how close your business location is to the person who made the search. The best way to optimize this ranking factor is by ensuring that your Google Business Profile is completely filled out with accurate, detailed information and regularly updated.
Embedding your business Google map into your website can also help your ranking. It shows that you are engaged with your business listing and can encourage people to visit your physical store. Moreover, if your business is among the top-3 positions of Google Maps Pack, it can increase web traffic inflow to your website and improve sign-ups, site visits, phone calls, and other desirable conversions.
Reviews
The quality and quantity of your Google reviews is an important ranking factor for your Google Maps ranking. Encourage your customers to leave a review by providing a link to do so on your website. Ensure that the reviews are honest and positive, and try to respond to any negative reviews. Responding to a bad review can actually improve your ranking as it shows that you are engaged with your Google listing and care about customer satisfaction.
Imagery
Adding high-quality images to your Google Maps listings can help you stand out and attract more clicks. The photos should be relevant to your business, and the images should be uploaded frequently. Also, consider including a video to boost your engagement.
Structured Data
Google prefers listings that contain rich structured data, which makes it easier for the search engine to understand and interpret the content. Using schema for NAP (name, address, and phone number) in your business listing can send a strong signal to Google that you are a legitimate and authoritative business.
Lastly, make sure your business is listed in all relevant directories and citations, and that the NAP information is consistent across them. This will help Google trust your listing more and rank it higher on Maps.