Google Maps has over 154.4 million active users monthly and is the most used navigation app in the US. It is a tool local business owners should maximize to their advantage. In fact, 88% of consumers who search for local businesses on their mobile devices are likely to call or visit within 24 hours.
To top it up, research shows that 88% of consumers are likely to end up on Google Maps from a keyword search. Another reason to rank high on Google Maps is that its top three business listings are likely to show up on top of Google Local 3-Pack. This means more local visibility for your business.
With over 86% of consumers turning to Google Maps when searching for a business, this brings opportunities for your brand to get more customers.
So how can your business show on top of Google Maps results? Here is a quick guide on how to get your business listing to rank higher on Google Maps. Cybertegic is a local marketing agency in Pasadena that can help boost your local search marketing.
- Create a Google Business Profile listing.
- Add necessary information to your listing.
- Be consistent with your business information.
- Write a business description.
- Choose the proper category for your business.
- Add keywords to your Google Business Profile.
- Add a Google Map to your website.
1 – Create a Google Business Profile listing.
Your business won’t be able to rank or show on Google Maps if you don’t have a business listing on Google in the first place. Skip this step if your business already has a listing on Google Maps or Google Business Profile.
However, if you don’t have a listing, follow the steps to create or claim your business listing on Google.
- Go to Google.com/business
- Click the “Manage now” button on the upper right side of the page.
- Enter your business name.
- If your business has an existing listing, you can claim it. If not, then you can create a new listing.
2 – Add important information to your listing.
Once you have claimed or created a business listing, the next step you need to do is add all the important details. This includes details on your business name, address, phone number, service area, operating hours, and more.
You can also add your business description, products, services, and special attributes for your listing to stand out. Take time to complete all the details in your business listing, as Google prefers showing detailed listings on their search results and networks than listing those who are not.
3 – Be consistent with your business information.
Google’s algorithm will only rank businesses on Maps that are legitimate and trustworthy. One measure they use to check business credentials is the consistency of information it has across the web.
This is why it is important to ensure that your business name, phone number, and address are consistent on your website and other business listings. Every character should be consistent in your listing, even the details on your address. For example, a simple discrepancy between “street” and “st” can affect the ranking of your business.
4 – Write a business description.
Google will check your business description to understand what your business is all about and what products and services it offers. Your business description should also provide a big picture of your business to help visitors understand what you have to offer them.
A good business description also includes the right keyword. Use a tone that aligns with your brand’s identity. Lastly, a business description should create a connection with your customers.
5 – Choose the proper category for your business.
Another thing Google checks when ranking a business listing in its category. When choosing the primary category of your business, you need to pick the one that represents your brand. If any other categories apply to your business, you can choose them as your secondary categories.
To ensure that you choose the correct categories for your business listing, you can check your competitors’ business listings. Use the same categories they use, which apply to your business.
6 – Add keywords to your Google Business Profile.
If you want your listing to show on maps and search results, you must optimize your business listing by adding keywords. Pick a primary keyword and incorporate it naturally into your business description.
You can also choose categories with applicable keywords to your business if possible. Make sure not to add keywords everywhere in your listing, as Google will see this as spam.
7 – Embed a Google Map of your business on your website.
Another factor that can help your business listing rank on Google Maps is to embed a Google Map on your website. This is what most businesses do on their contact us page. Adding a Google Map of your business on your website sends a signal to Google that your business is located where you say it is.
To embed a Google Map of your business to your website, click “Share” in your listing and select the “Embed a map” tab. Copy and paste the link on your website page to show the map.
