Google Maps website ranking is an essential factor for local business promotion. When people search for a specific product or service on Google, they often see ads at the top of the SERP and then Google Maps with business cards of certain companies (for example, an Italian restaurant in Athens). In many cases, if your company’s name doesn’t appear among the first three results, you won’t get much traffic at all. Optimizing your Google Maps profile is one of the best ways to improve your SEO performance and attract more potential customers to your website.
Google uses a number of factors to determine which businesses show up first in their map pack. For one thing, proximity is a big factor, so you want to be as close to your customers and clients as possible. Additionally, your business’s citations are important, so make sure that all of them are correct and consistent.
Another ranking factor is reviews, which are crucial for gaining trust and attracting potential customers. In fact, Brightlocal found that in 2020, 87% of online searchers read reviews before making a buying decision. Whether positive or negative, reviews are extremely influential and can have a significant impact on your Maps ranking.
When it comes to your website, the content you create is also an important aspect of your Google Maps rankings. It should include relevant keywords and be written in a way that reflects your brand’s voice. Additionally, you should link to your website and other relevant pages on a regular basis.
Finally, social media is a powerful tool that can help your business gain visibility and boost its Google Maps ranking. By creating and sharing engaging content, you can encourage people to interact with your business on a regular basis, which will ultimately boost your Maps rankings.
As a bonus, Google rewards websites that regularly update their information in the form of a fresher Google Maps listing. This is why it’s important to keep your business’s Google Maps profile up-to-date with any new products, services, or promotions.
You should also optimize your Google My Business page to give Google the best possible picture of your business. This includes adding photos, improving your business description, and linking to your website. Moreover, you should be active in responding to customer feedback and encouraging new business.
Lastly, it’s important to monitor your Google Maps rankings and SERP positioning on a regular basis. This can be done manually using Google’s search tools (incognito mode and without a Google account) or by using a rank monitoring software tool. By regularly tracking your rankings and seeing how you’re performing, you can make improvements as needed.
Getting your website to rank high on Google Maps can be tricky, but it’s definitely worth the effort! If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your Google Maps ranking and generating more traffic for your website. Good luck!