How to Rank Higher on Google Maps

About 46% of all Google searches are local. In fact, 76% of consumers who complete a local search visit a nearby business within five miles of their location. About 50% of all local mobile searches are for business locations, too. 

Meanwhile, 86% of shoppers look up the location of a business on Google Maps. Learning how to rank higher on Google Maps can help you reach these customers. 

Not sure how to improve your local search engine optimization (SEO) strategy and Google Maps rankings? Read on for the tips you need for a successful strategy today!

Add Your Business to Google Maps

First, make sure your business appears on Google Maps. Otherwise, you’ll never get the chance to improve your Google Maps ranking! 

If you’ve already completed this step, continue to the next section.

First, visit Google.com/maps. You can also open the Google Maps app on your smartphone. Then, search for your business by name. 

If your business is on Google Maps already, it will appear in the drop-down menu with a location next to it. In that case, you can continue to the next step.

If your business doesn’t appear, however, you’ll need to click “add a missing place” from the drop-down menu. Google will then prompt you to provide your name, business category, and location.

Creating a listing will only allow you to add these three pieces of information. You’ll need to claim your listing to add additional details. The more information you add to your business listing, the higher it could rank on Google Maps.

Make sure you have a free Google My Business account to claim your listing. 

After pulling up your Google Maps business listing, choose “Claim this business.” Then, follow the prompts to gain access to the listing. 

Optimize Your Google Business Listing

Remember, it’s not enough to claim your Google Maps business listing. Next, you’ll need to optimize your listing to improve local SEO rankings.

Log into your Google My Business account to access the account dashboard. Select the “Info” tab on the left side. Then, include your business:

• Name
• Category/subcategory
• Address
• Service area (if applicable)
• Hours and special hours (for holidays)
• Phone number
• Website
• Products or services
• Attributes
• Description

When adding your business information, make sure the name, address, and phone number remain consistent across all directories. Google will check the information on your website to confirm your Google Business listing is accurate. Match any abbreviations you use (such as “St.” for “Street” or “N” for “North”).

Instead of using a toll-free number, make sure to use a local telephone number that features your location’s area code. This step can help consumers feel confident you’re located nearby.

Make sure to keep all the information on your listing up to date. If you change your phone number or address, update the information right away.

Otherwise, you could confuse or frustrate consumers who try to call or visit, only to realize the information isn’t accurate. 

Generate Customer Reviews

As you begin generating sales, ask your customers to share their thoughts about your business. Generating customer reviews can benefit your Google Maps ranking. It can also help future customers feel more comfortable about your brand. 

After all, 95% of consumers read reviews before making purchases. Another 93% read reviews to determine the quality of a local business. 

Reviews account for about 15% of the method Google uses to rank local businesses, too.

Make sure to respond to comments as you receive them. Don’t delete any negative comments you receive. Instead, show consumers you’re able to resolve issues.

Keep generating reviews throughout the year to keep the listing fresh.

Post Updates

You can rank higher on Google Maps by adding fresh content to your profile throughout the year.

For example, you can add photo and video content to your profile. Start by providing an image of your storefront. Local consumers will have an easier time finding your business if they have a photo.

Photos will tell Google you’re an active listing, which can signal you’re worthy of higher rankings. Google also uses photo-recognition technology to show images in local search results. 

As an added bonus, consumers love photo content. Make sure to use high-quality photos when adding images to the “Photos” tab on your dashboard.

Share updates about your business to improve local SEO rankings, too.

Update Your Website

Google prioritizes business websites that are fast, secure, mobile-optimized, and user-friendly. If your site is outdated, invest in web design and development services this year.

Remember, nearly 50% of Google searches are local. If your website isn’t mobile-optimized, you could upset those customers.

Use Schema Markup

Schema markup can help Google gain a better understanding of your website content.

For example, you can wrap location information in code to tell Google where your business is located. 

Embed a Map on Your Site

Embed a Google Map on your website’s Contact Us page. To embed a map on your site, visit Google Maps and search for your business. Then, click the “Share” and “Embed a map” buttons.

Embedding a map on your site can tell Google your business is located where the listing claims it is.

Create Localized Content

You can also improve your Google Maps ranking by targeting location-specific keywords within your content.

First, create a location page for each business location. Let consumers know about the products and services you offer there. Specify the service area, too.

Otherwise, create blog content using location-specific keywords. 

Generate Backlinks

As part of your off-page SEO strategy, start generating backlinks (which direct visitors on other websites to your website). Try to partner with local businesses to generate backlinks from their websites.

Quality backlinks can boost your domain authority, which could help you generate higher rankings. It can also help you generate referral traffic. Local consumers will have an easier time finding your website and local business. 

Map Out Your Strategy: Rank Higher on Google Maps Today

Learning how to rank higher on Google Maps could help you reach more customers than ever before. You can start generating more foot traffic to your business or web traffic to your site. Either way, a Google Maps strategy could set you up for success in the upcoming year.

Remember, you don’t have to develop your SEO strategy alone. We’re here to help.

Book a strategy call today to get started.