Improve Business Visibility in Google Maps
During these modern times, having an online presence is now more important than ever, and that includes appearing on Google Maps. Most customers tend to refer to Google Maps when they are seeking a specific product or service within the area. Having your business appear high on Google Maps rankings does wonders such as boosting credibility and potential sales. If you’re wondering how to improve Google Maps rankings, continue reading this article to find out the best strategies:
Why do you need to improve Google Maps ranking for your business?
Without a doubt, customers use Google Maps as their main resource for searching for local products or services. Therefore, it’s important to improve your Google Maps ranking so that you can reach a wider target audience and have more opportunities for leads and sales. Having a high ranking on Google Maps also helps to boost the credibility of your business for potential customers seeking your product or service.
Does SEO work on Google Maps?
Yes, using SEO techniques helps to improve your rankings for Google Maps. There are several best practices you can do such as:
- Include relevant targeted keywords on your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Encourage customers to leave reviews
- Respond to your customer reviews with targeted keywords
- Regularly update the NAP information of your GBP
- Optimizing your GBP for mobile
By using these SEO methods, you have a better chance of increasing your Google Maps ranking and gaining more leads.
10 Tips On How To Improve Google Maps Ranking Of Your Business
There are many strategies on how to improve Google Maps rankings. Here are some of the top tips you can consider to boost your rankings:
1. Claim and verify your Google Business Profile
The most important tip would be to claim and verify your Google Business Profile. You can do this by heading over to the Google Business Profile page and follow along the steps. Alternatively, you can also do a Google search of your business name and see whether it already exists. You will see ‘Own this business?’ or ‘Claim this business’ where you’ll have to click those links to verify the profile.
There are a few different ways you can claim and verify your profile. However, if you claim a Google Business Profile, it may take about a week for Google to approve and verify your claim. If Google has successfully verified your account, you’ll receive a Google notification. But if Google fails to verify your account, then you’ll have to try another verification method.
2. Optimize your Google Business Profile
One of the top tips to improve Google Maps rankings is to optimize your Google Business Profile with the right information. For example, ensure all details are included such as categories, business descriptions with local keywords, and so on. By filling in all the details, you get to show Google what your business is all about, thus increasing your rankings.
3. Publish posts regularly on your Google Business Profile
Keeping your Google Business Profile active by publishing posts helps to signal to Google that your business is operational. Some of the posts you can publish would be promotions, discounts, and special announcements. This helps to improve your search rankings while also staying engaged with your customers.
Once you’ve published a post, it will require Google to review your post to ensure that it’s aligned with the policies of Google. Some recommended tips would be to ensure proper languages and words are used without any offensive content, avoid mentioning anything related to regulated products such as alcohol, and share only trustworthy links.
4. Maintain and update your Google Reviews section
Having positive reviews on your Google Business Profile will never be a bad thing for both your business reputation and also your ranking on Google Maps. Reviews help to improve Google Maps ranking as it signals to Google that customers are regularly engaged with your business.
A plus point would be if you respond to all your reviews as well – this helps to build better relationships with your customers while boosting engagement. You can thanks the customers for their feedback and address any issues or negative reviews in a professional manner. Try to get customers to contact you directly should there be any issues to build a stronger relationship and turn them into happy customers.
5. Implement local keywords on your website
Keywords are important for your SEO rankings on Google, but they also help to improve your ranking on Google Maps as they’ll reflect on Google Maps listings as well. Ensure you’re using local SEO for your website content and include relevant keywords such as the specific locations and name of service or product.
Some of the best places to include the local keywords would be on the title tag, meta description, as well as throughout the website copy on each page. Do ensure the headings include your keywords too.
6. Maintain consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Another one of the best ways to improve Google Maps rankings would be to ensure all of your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) are consistent and updated regularly. If your NAP information isn’t accurate or up-to-date, customers won’t be able to reach you. Having the same NAP information also creates credibility and avoids any form of confusion for customers.
Don’t forget to include full details of your NAP and not leave any important information out. For instance, your address should include the building number, floor, road, postal codes and building names. As for the phone number, it should only be mobile phones or office phones. Fax numbers are not recommended.
7. Upload professional photos on your Google Business Profile
Customers love to look at aesthetic, professional photos of a business before making a decision regarding the product or service. Keeping your Google Business Profile updated with the latest photos of your business, can increase potential visitors to your website and convert them into customers.
Some great photos you can include would be the interior or exterior of your building. Besides that, you can also include photos of your team members and your product or service. Ensure these photos are in high-quality so that customers are able to view them with ease.
8. Build local backlinks and citations
To further improve your Google Maps ranking, you should get other businesses or websites to mention your business and include a link to your website on their own website. As for citations, these include local directory websites such as Yelp Malaysia or Hotfrog Malaysia. These are considered to be helpful for your Google Maps ranking even though the links are to your website.
If you can’t seem to build the links yourself, you can always reach out to professionals such as PR companies or digital marketing agencies to do them for you.
9. Add relevant links to your Google Business Profile
It’s important to include all links to boost your online presence to improve Google Maps rankings. For instance, include your official social media links and websites to make it easier for customers to find you. This also helps to boost the credibility of your business as customers feel confident they are engaging with the right business. Do remember to regularly update your links if you’ve changed them over time.
Another thing to take note is that customers tend to favour businesses with active digital presence. So it’s important for you to have social media account or a website in order to gain more potential sales or leads.
10. Add Google Maps to your website
When you embed Google Maps on your website, it helps to enhance your local SEO as it can help your customers find your business easily. Most people are used to Google Maps and find it easier to make decisions based on the business location. The common website page to include Google Maps would be on your contact page. However, you can also place it at the footer of your website.
If you’re unsure how to embed Google Maps on your website, you can refer to the guide by Google for further information.
Conclusion
It goes without saying – when you improve Google Maps rankings for your business, it provides more opportunities to attract potential customers. By following the above tips, you’ll be on your way to grow your business at a steady rate. If you wish to learn more on how to improve your rankings on Google, check out our guide on the top tips to increase visibility and rankings for your website.