Google Maps placement is for businesses today what Yellow Page ads were for businesses 30 years ago. When your business is visible on Google Maps, it will be one of the first results local customers see when they search for services like yours. For example, if you own a coffee shop in Grand Rapids, getting seen on Google Maps by searchers looking for “coffee near me” will bring lots of new traffic through your doors. Of course, to be seen on Maps, you’ll need to know how to optimize your listing. The following steps will help.
Verify and Manage Your GMB
Google’s services are all connected, so utilizing one can help with another. Google My Business and Google Maps are perfect examples of this. When you claim and optimize your GMB listing, your business is much more likely to rank high in Maps searches and the local pack of businesses at the top of standard search engine results pages. You may have a GMB listing, even if you haven’t claimed it, so don’t assume that simply having a listing is enough. Claiming your listing shows that your business is active and allows you access to add images, post updates, and edit basic info about your business.
Build Location Authority
GMB management is a great step, but you need to build location authority in other ways as well. One way to do this is by managing directory listings for your business on third party sites throughout the web. Consistency in your directory listings with the same name, address, and phone number (NAP) will help legitimize your business in the eyes of Google’s search algorithms.
Manage Your Online Reviews
Another way to make sure your business stays on the map (literally) is by managing your online reviews, especially Google Reviews. A reputation management service can help bring in loads of new reviews for your business and drive up your average star rating. If you’re not ready to commit to that level of service, however, simply responding to existing reviews and encouraging happy customers to leave new reviews can go a long way.
Leverage Marketing is your ultimate resource for local search marketing to help you get seen where it matters most, including on Google Maps. Schedule a 20-minute strategy call with our team today to see what we can do for your business.
