Google Maps is a platform that was mainly designed for brick-and-mortar local businesses to help their customers and clients find them. Nowadays, it has become a competitive spot where many businesses try to appear in the top 3 spots of the Google Pack Page to drive more visits, phone calls, sign-ups, etc.
Google focuses on several factors to pick the business listings it features in its search results and in the Google Maps pack. While proximity is still one of the main ranking factors, there are several other ways Google determines which listings will be displayed.
For starters, you can make sure your GMB profile is complete with all your important business information. Google also pays attention to the reviews you get and how active you are in responding to them. This shows that you value feedback and are engaging with your customers, which can increase your Google Maps ranking.
Another important factor is how well your website functions on mobile devices. Most people use their smartphones to look up local businesses, so if your website is difficult to navigate on mobile, you could be missing out on potential customers. A responsive design ensures your site is usable no matter the screen size and device.
Creating a robust and authoritative social media presence is essential for your local SEO strategy. Regularly posting relevant content on your Facebook and Instagram accounts will show that your business is active, which is a key indicator for a high Google Maps ranking. Using an analytic tool to monitor your local rankings can also help you track how well your efforts are paying off.
Your listing category on GMB is another important consideration. Choose the primary category that best fits your main business offering and add secondary categories if necessary. You can choose primary and secondary categories from your Google My Business dashboard.
GMB is a very competitive platform, and it may take some time to rank highly. However, by implementing comprehensive optimizations on a variety of levels and being patient, you can achieve a high Google Maps ranking.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to improve your local SEO, reach out to the experts at Localo. We offer a complete suite of tools and services to help you grow your Google Maps ranking and other local listings. We can also help you implement a complete local marketing strategy that drives more traffic, sales, and conversions for your business. Contact us today to get started!