There is a lot that goes into optimizing local SEO for Google Maps ranking. Most businesses are aware that filling out a Google My Business profile to perfection is one important component. However, there are many other tactics and strategies that can be employed to improve a business’s ranking on Google Maps and reap the benefits.
Prominence is a major ranking factor on Google Maps. The higher the prominence of a business listing, the more likely it is to appear in the Google 3-Pack when searchers use a ‘near me’ query. This is why it’s so critical that every detail on your Google My Business profile is correct, and updated regularly.
Google looks at a range of factors to determine prominence, including the number and quality of reviews a business has received, its brand awareness online, and its SEO (Search Engine Optimization) rank. It also looks at the quality of a website and the business’s social media presence. In order to boost your local SEO, it’s essential to build trust and credibility with your potential customers through quality reviews, and to promote your brand on all relevant channels.
Getting your business in the top-3 positions on Google Maps rankings will increase traffic to your local store and online reach. It will also help you build trust and generate more conversions.
As more people use mobile devices, Google is focusing on the user experience, and this is especially true for local searches. This is why it’s so important for businesses to make sure their mobile sites load quickly and are easy to navigate on a variety of screens.
In addition, mobile-friendly websites are a ranking factor on Google Maps. It is also recommended to optimize on-page SEO, which refers to any elements of a business’s site or page that it can control directly, such as title tags and meta descriptions.
Another aspect of local SEO that is often overlooked is the need for consistent citations. This is the process of having reputable websites cite your business information, and it’s crucial that this citation data is the same across all platforms. This includes your GMB, your website, and any other third-party directories you’re listed on. This consistency helps Google recognize your business and ensures that your listings are accurate. It’s also a good idea to monitor your citations for volatility, and clean up any discrepancies as soon as they arise. This will help prevent any issues with duplicate listings and other duplicate or inaccurate information that can hurt your Google Maps rank.