Google Maps is a popular way for local customers to search for businesses and services, which is why SEO Google Maps Ranking should be a priority for any business looking to grow its client base. But getting the most from your Google maps ranking requires more than simply optimizing your listing. Local SEO is about polishing your local online presence and establishing yourself as a valued member of the community, which means engaging in valuable community activities that can help boost your Google Maps rankings and organic search positions.
Whether you’re a new or established company, you should be working towards nurturing all areas of your local SEO each month. This includes optimizing your Google maps ranking, while also ensuring that your website’s content is relevant and updated regularly. A good way to do this is by using targeted, low competition keywords and phrases in your company description and URL. You can also use the business directories to promote your website, and by encouraging local engagement through value-rich methods, such as by getting physically involved in events, promoting social media activity, or submitting guest posts on valuable blogs.
Another great way to enhance your Google maps ranking is by adding professional photos to your GMB listing. This helps to make your listing more visually appealing and adds authenticity in the eyes of potential customers. It’s also important to use images that represent your business, as this can boost the click-through rate of your listing and potentially lead to increased traffic and revenue.
Structured data is another essential tool for Google Maps ranking because it allows you to mark up your website’s content with schema tags, which help Google crawlers understand the information in your site more clearly and correctly. Schema for local business can be applied to the title tag, business hours, contact info, and other elements of your website, which helps Google index your business listing more effectively. You can check and validate your schema with Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
Prominence is an important, but difficult to pin down ranking factor. According to Google’s documentation, prominence is based on how well-known a business is offline and online. This includes backlinks, reviews, ratings, and a positive reputation. However, Google’s Vicinity Update has decreased the value of placing keywords in your GMB name, so it’s important to avoid keyword stuffing.
Finally, paid ads can help enhance a Google Maps ranking and increase your visibility in search results. While they won’t have the same effect on your organic ranking, they can boost your listing visibility while you wait for your SEO efforts to pay off. You can choose from a variety of paid ad types, including Google Adwords and Google Ad Grants. Be sure to read up on each option before you decide which one is the best fit for your company. By taking the time to nurture these areas of your local SEO each month, you’ll be able to improve your Google Maps ranking and see long-term results.