SEO Google Maps Ranking is a crucial component to any local marketing strategy. Research shows that people use Google to find local businesses and services and that those searches often lead to a purchase. In fact, 86% of consumers visit a business after finding it in Google. Learning how to improve your Google Maps SEO can make you much more visible in search results, attracting new customers and leading to business growth.
Google uses three criteria to rank Maps listings: relevance, distance and prominence. This means that your business should be relevant to the search query, located close to the user and have a prominent place in the map results. To achieve this, you need to optimize your Google Business Profile, including its content and local keywords. This will ensure that your listing appears at the top of the map results and attracts traffic.
To make your business stand out from the competition and impress prospective customers, consider hiring a professional photographer to take high-quality, eye-catching photos. These images can appear in Google search results and are an important part of your Google Maps SEO strategy. Moreover, they provide context to help searchers understand what the business is about. According to Social Media Today, 19 percent of search results include an image.
Another way to boost your Google Maps SEO is by joining local events and activities that relate to your industry or community. Sponsoring a race, food drive or art exhibition will help your business gain visibility and credibility, while also increasing your Google Maps ranking.
In addition, you should join local organizations and associations related to your industry or business. This will help you build relationships with potential customers and other industry leaders. You can also participate in industry or business trade shows to build brand awareness and promote your products or services.
As a final step, you should regularly monitor your Google Maps ranking. You can do this manually using the Google search app (preferably in Incognito Mode and while not logged into your account) or by using a rank tracking tool like AccuRanker. AccuRanker allows you to track your rankings within a specified area, such as a city, county, street or zip code, and alerts you of any changes.
As you can see, optimizing your Google Maps rankings takes time and effort. You must update your information regularly, add keyword-rich descriptions and reviews, and ensure that your NAP data matches your website and other promotional materials. It’s also critical to keep an eye on competitors and monitor the changing landscape of local SEO, so you can stay on top of your game. Fortunately, Semrush’s Listing Management tool can help you monitor your Google Maps rankings, as well as that of your competitors, so you’re always in the know about what’s working and what isn’t. And it’s easy to use, too! Try it today!