Google Maps Ranking is a big deal for business owners who rely on local search to connect with their target audience and drive foot traffic or online conversions. Getting into the top 3 spots of the Google Maps pack (also known as Google Local Pack) will not only boost your brand’s visibility but also increase sign-ups, website visits, phone calls, and other desirable conversions.
Getting to the top of Google Maps requires you to optimize your business’s GMB listing, as well as focus on the right off-page SEO factors. But the good news is that while there are many factors to consider, you can easily improve your Maps ranking with just a few small changes to your overall local SEO strategy.
Aside from an optimized Google Business Profile and positive reviews, one of the most important aspects of improving your Maps ranking is building citations. This refers to the mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number on third-party websites and directories such as Yellow Pages, Yelp, Manta, or Angie’s List. The more citations your Google Business profile has, the higher it will rank.
Google takes into account the relevance, distance, and prominence of your business when determining how to rank it. In 2021, the search engine updated its local search algorithm to place more importance on proximity as a ranking factor, aptly named the Vicinity Update. This update also decreased the value of adding keywords into your business name in your GMB.
Another way to improve your Google Maps ranking is by running paid ads on the platform. This will not only increase your brand’s visibility but will also help you generate more reviews from your target audience. And since positive online reviews are a major Google Maps ranking factor, this is an investment that you will definitely reap the rewards from in the long run.
You can also use an online tool like Nozzle to check and monitor your Google Maps ranking. This tool is free to use and allows you to compare your Google Maps ranking against your competitors’. It also provides you with detailed reports and recommendations on how to improve your Google Maps ranking.
With the help of these tools, you can ensure that your Google Maps ranking is as high as possible, enabling you to get more views, clicks, and engagement from your audience. And as a result, your business will grow and succeed in the local search world. So what are you waiting for? Start optimizing your Google Business Profile today!