Google Maps is a popular search engine that shows businesses and services near the user’s location. It’s a great way for consumers to find local businesses, and it’s also a powerful tool for SEO and marketing professionals.
To rank well on Google Maps, it’s important to understand the ranking factors that influence your business. There are several factors that you can control, including on-page and off-page SEO. On-page SEO refers to the things you do on your website to improve rankings, while off-page SEO refers to activities outside of your domain that affect your Google Maps ranking.
The first step in improving your Google Maps website ranking is to ensure that your business has a website. A website is a valuable piece of online real estate that you can use to build trust and credibility, drive traffic, and convert leads. The next step is to make sure your website is mobile-friendly. Most Google searches occur on mobile devices, and a mobile-friendly website is critical for Google Maps website ranking.
Next, you should optimize your website for the keywords that you want to rank for on Google Maps. This includes keyword research, content optimization, and backlink building. By optimizing your website, you can increase your chances of landing in the coveted “Local 3-Pack” on Google Maps.
In addition to optimizing your website, you should create and update a business listing on Google My Business (GMB). You can do this by logging into your GMB dashboard and selecting “Edit Listing.” You can add photos of your product or service, as well as a description that provides consumers with the information they need to choose your business.
Another way to boost your Google Maps website ranking is to regularly promote your business on social media. According to a survey by Brightlocal, 87% of consumers read reviews for local businesses before making a buying decision. Reviews are also an excellent way to encourage customers to leave a review on your Google Maps business listing.
If you have a physical store, then you should consider paying to be featured as a promoted pin on Google Maps. This type of result is prominently displayed on the results page and can drastically improve your click-through rate (CTR). It’s a great way to reach new customers and build trust in your brand.
Achieving a high Google Maps website ranking can be challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it’s possible to achieve top-ten positions on both the maps and organic search results pages. Appearing in the coveted top-3 positions on Google Maps listings can significantly increase foot traffic to your business, as well as improve sign-ups, site visits, phone calls, and other desirable conversions. By focusing on these areas each month, you can increase your organic reach and get more business from your local community.