Google Maps Ranking is a critical marketing tool for local businesses to get discovered by new clients, stand out against competitors and generate more business. Getting your business on the first page of the Google Maps search results could mean big money for your company. However, this can only be achieved with strong visibility on Google.
The good news is that there are multiple tactics/strategies to help your business get ranked on the first page of Google Maps results and reap all of the benefits.
Proximity is one of the most important factors to consider when trying to rank on Google Maps, and that’s a good thing! When people search for a specific product or service in their area, they are looking to find a business that is located near them. This is why the Google Maps algorithm has a high emphasis on proximity, and that’s why you want to be as close to your target audience as possible.
A well-written and optimized description on your Google My Business listing is another factor that can help you improve your Maps ranking. The description should include the big picture of your business to orient your visitors, as well as any unique attributes that set you apart from your competition. It should also be written in a way that aligns with your brand, as this can create a more personal connection with potential customers. It’s also important to use relevant keywords in your business description, as this can help your business appear for searches containing those keywords.
Another way to optimize your Google Maps listing is by regularly posting on your Google My Business dashboard. By doing this, you can let your customers know about any current sales, store announcements or events you may be running. It’s also a great way to show Google that you are proactively managing your business listing, which is a factor they take into consideration when ranking listings.
Positive online reviews are another significant factor that can improve your local rankings. Google takes into account your customer feedback and the amount of positive reviews you have, as well as how active you are in responding to any negative feedback. By leveraging tools such as Podium, you can quickly gather and share online reviews for your business to improve your Maps ranking and grow your business.
Having a website that is mobile-friendly is another important step to take in order to improve your Google Maps ranking. Nearly 60% of Google searches are done on a mobile device, so having a website that is responsive and easy to navigate across different screen sizes and devices is essential.
Finally, it’s important to monitor your Google Maps ranking performance over time. Using an SEO tool that features local rank tracking will allow you to see how your efforts to improve your Google Maps ranking are working over time. This will help you measure your progress and determine which strategies are working best.