For businesses that cater to local audiences, appearing among the top 3 positions on Google Maps listings is an incredibly important ranking factor. It not only boosts online visibility, but also improves sign-ups, site visits, phone calls, and other desirable conversions significantly.
The good news is that it’s not just your Google Business Profile that matters – your website and external content play a crucial role as well. By following these simple tips, you can improve your SEO for Maps rankings and make a significant impact on your local search traffic and sales.
Embedding a Google Map on your website is a very easy and effective way to boost your Google Maps listing. It shows your location to prospective customers and also encourages people to review your business. You can do this by opening your Google My Business dashboard and clicking the “Share” button. Then, copy the link provided and paste it into your website.
Another great tip is to ensure your primary GMB categories perfectly match your business’s main keywords. Using tools like Podium makes this easy and helps you get more reviews, which improves your ranking on Google maps. You should try to respond to all reviews, whether they are positive or negative. This will show that you are engaged and care about your customers.
It’s also a good idea to use branded images on your business listings. Research suggests that using branded images can improve your visibility on local search results. Additionally, be sure to keep your business information up-to-date and accurate. Incorrect or outdated information can negatively affect your ranking on Google Maps and search engine results pages (SERPs).
Regularly posting on your Google Business Profile will help your business be seen as active. It will also improve your ranking as Google gives preference to active listings. Posts can include events, updates about your business, special offers, and more. Lastly, monitor your Google Maps ranking regularly so that you can make necessary improvements.
One of the most overlooked but highly impactful factors on your SEO for Google Maps ranking is the speed of your website. Studies have shown that websites with a slow load time lose ranking on Google. This is because people tend to leave a website that loads slowly, especially on mobile devices.
Optimizing your website for mobile is essential if you want to rank high on Google Maps. Around 60% of searches are made on mobile devices, and a mobile-friendly website can increase the amount of search traffic you receive. This can lead to more leads, sales, and growth for your business.