Google Maps Ranking is one of the most significant factors for local SEO, and it’s a big part of why businesses invest so much time and effort into their business listings. After all, it’s not just about getting more traffic to your website or more customers in-store; a top 3 position on Google Maps listing will also boost customer reach and conversion.
That’s why it’s important to understand exactly how Google Maps ranks and the factors that play a role in this. It’s no secret that a high Google Maps ranking is a huge competitive advantage, and one that can be very difficult to achieve. However, it’s possible to improve your chances of appearing in the local pack by implementing some proven strategies.
According to Google’s documentation, three main factors determine whether a search result will appear on Google Maps: relevance, distance, and prominence. Relevance is all about matching the user’s search query with the relevant results in Google Maps. This includes ensuring that the keywords used in your GMB business description are accurate, as well as including them in your product and service titles.
Additionally, it’s important to update your listing regularly to keep Google up to date on any changes or new developments. For example, if your company has changed its name or moved locations, make sure to update this information. It’s also important to ensure that you have sufficient photos on your profile, and that you’re soliciting reviews from your customers regularly.
It’s also important to remember that the criteria for a Google Maps ranking may change at any time. Keeping up to date with these changes is crucial, and it can be hard to do without the help of a tool like Semrush’s Listing Management. This tool displays your average local position so you can get an idea of how well your profiles are performing and identify any areas that need improvement.
Another critical aspect to consider when improving your Google Maps rankings is boosting your online presence through backlinks. According to a study by Moz, linking back from high-quality websites can increase your Maps ranking by as much as five spots. It’s important to note, however, that this strategy is only effective if the links are relevant and high-quality.
Another way to improve your Google Maps rankings is to publish content on your website, such as blog posts or videos. This can help increase your website’s domain authority, which will, in turn, boost your Google Maps ranking. Finally, it’s also a good idea to create Google Posts, which can be used to promote your products or services directly on your Google Business Profile. Regularly publishing this type of content can signal to Google that you’re actively managing your Google Maps listing and help you climb higher in the local pack.