There are a few different key functions of Google’s broad digital marketing tools that it pays to be optimized and rank highly for, and Google Maps is often a top example. Which approaches will help you rank higher on Google Maps, and why might they be valuable for your brand’s visibility and exposure?
At Upward Engine, we’re proud to offer a variety of local SEO services to clients around Salt Lake City and nearby parts of Utah, including help with Google Maps and related Google functions that are vital for businesses targeting local markets. Here are some of the chief factors that tend to play into Google Maps rankings, plus some tips for how to rank higher on Google Maps and take advantage of all the benefits this ranking leads to.
Google Maps Importance and Local Ranking Factors
So why is it important to rank well on Google Maps specifically? Well, first off, it’s one of the main ways that businesses are found by potential customers searching for products or services in their area. Consider this statistic: over 80% of local searches result in either a purchase or a visit to the business location within 24 hours. That’s a huge potential for sales and leads that you don’t want to miss out on.
In addition, Google Maps is an essential tool for mobile users, who make up more than half of all internet traffic. With the rise of smartphones and constant connectivity, people are turning to their devices to find local businesses and services more than ever before. This makes having a strong presence on Google even more vital.
Here are the chief factors that tend to influence your local Google Maps ranking:
- Proximity: Google uses the location of the user to provide results that are closest to them. This means that businesses located closer to the user’s current location will have a higher chance of appearing at the top of the search results.
- Relevance: The relevance of your business to the search query is also a key factor in Google Maps ranking. This includes information such as your business category, website content, keywords, and more.
- Prominence: This refers to how well-known and popular your business is both online and offline. Factors like backlinks, directory listings, reviews, citations, and social media presence all contribute to prominence.
So how do you infuse these factors into your efforts to rank higher on Google Maps? Let’s dive in below.
Tips to Rank Higher on Google Maps
Here are some important areas to consider to up your Google Maps ranking:
Optimize Google Business Profile
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your ranking on Google Maps is by optimizing your Google Business Profile. This includes adding accurate business information such as address, phone number, website, business hours, and categories. Make sure all the details are up-to-date and consistent across different platforms.
You can do this by claiming and verifying your business on Google My Business, which will give you more control over how your business appears on Google Maps. Once you’ve done this, you can add things like posts, FAQs, photos, and more to your profile to help optimize it.
Adding Local Keywords and Services
Because Google Maps uses the user’s location to display relevant results, it is important to include local keywords and services in your business profile. This will help your business appear in searches when users are looking for businesses near their location. For example, if you own a pizza restaurant in New York City, make sure to include keywords such as “New York City”, “pizza”, and “restaurant” in your business description.
Collect High-Quality Reviews Regularly
Another great way to rank higher on Google Maps is by collecting high-quality reviews from your customers. Reviews not only help to improve your business’s credibility, but they also signal to Google that your business is providing a good experience for customers.
To collect reviews regularly, you can ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Maps listing or send them a follow-up email requesting a review. You can also incentivize reviews by offering discounts or promotions to customers who leave a review.
Build Citations
When we talk about citations, we’re referring to entries in local directories that list your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). These citations help Google to verify the legitimacy and relevance of your business. The more consistent and accurate your citations are across various directories, the better it is for your local SEO efforts.
Some popular local directories where you can list your business include Yelp, Yellow Pages, TripAdvisor, and Facebook. You can also use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to manage and track your citations across multiple directories.
At Upward Engine, we’re here to provide a wide range of local SEO services to clients around SLC and nearby areas of Utah, including help with improving your Google Maps ranking. Contact us today to learn more or get started!
