How to Improve Ranking in Google Maps (11 Simple Steps)

Websites and SEO

How to Improve Ranking in Google Maps: It’s well-known that Google favors businesses with complete, active profiles. A quick local search reveals that top-ranking businesses often feature detailed information, numerous photos, and strong reviews. If potential customers search for your business on Google Maps and you are not prominently displayed, you are likely missing out on significant business opportunities.

Google Maps, a popular map and navigation app in the U.S., amassed 21 million downloads in 2023 despite being pre-installed on Android phones. In comparison, Waze, another widely used app, garnered nearly 9.9 million downloads, according to Statista. To help you improve your ranking on Google Maps, we explore essential search engine optimization (SEO) strategies in this blog. Read on to discover effective techniques to boost your visibility and attract more customers.

Why Should You Care About Ranking High on Google Maps?

Ranking high on Google Maps is like having your business on the main street. It makes it easier for customers to find you when searching for what you offer or related terms. Plus, it builds trust. Being at the top signals that you’re a top choice in your area. This increased visibility can significantly boost foot traffic to your store and clicks to your website, leading to more sales. That’s why businesses compete for a top spot in the Google Maps Pack.

What Does the Term “Google Maps Pack” Refer To?

The Google Maps Pack, often called the Local Pack, is a special section in Google’s search results. When you search for local services or products, Google shows the top three local businesses that match your query in this box. This section appears at the top of the search results, making it prime real estate. It includes business names, ratings, opening hours, and a map snippet showing their locations. This quick, user-friendly feature allows users to compare options without visiting multiple websites. Landing a spot in the Google Maps Pack can significantly increase a business’s online and offline visibility and customer traffic.

Google Maps SEO: How to Improve Ranking in Google Maps Easily

Boosting your presence on Google Maps is crucial for attracting local customers and driving sales. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process:

Add Your Business on Google Maps: Ensure potential customers can easily find you by listing your business on Google Maps or claiming your existing listing if it’s already there. This step lays the foundation for your online presence and visibility.

Verify Your Listing: Verify your business ownership to gain control over your profile and optimize it. This process enhances your credibility and trustworthiness; verified listings will likely rank higher in search results.

Edit Your Business Profile: Customize your profile with accurate information about your business, including name, address, phone number, and category, to provide a reliable experience for customers. A detailed profile increases your chances of being discovered.

Maintain Consistency: Consistency in your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across all platforms is vital to prevent confusion and enhance search engine rankings. Maintaining uniformity reinforces your brand identity and builds customer trust, ensuring a cohesive and reliable online presence.

Set Up Business Hours and Attributes: Provide accurate operating hours and highlight unique features like outdoor seating or Wi-Fi to attract customers and provide them with essential information. Detailed attributes help customers make informed decisions.

Add Website and Social Links: Boost your online presence and interact with customers by sharing links to your website and social media pages. This gives them various channels to connect with your business, and this engagement can drive conversion rates, translating into more sales and loyal customers for your brand.

Publish Posts: Keep your profile active and up-to-date by regularly posting updates, offers, and events, demonstrating your business’s relevance and attracting potential customers’ attention. Publishing new content regularly maintains your audience’s interest while keeping them informed.

Encourage Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile and respond promptly and professionally. Positive reviews enhance your reputation and draw more customers to your business, fostering trust and credibility within your community. This interaction also provides valuable feedback that can help you improve your products or services.

Embed Google Map on Your Website: Increase your visibility and make it easier for customers to find you by embedding a Google Map on your website, providing them with clear directions to your location. This enhances how users experience your website and improves its usability.

Optimize Website Content: Improve your search engine ranking and attract local customers by strategically using local keywords on your website, aligning your content with what customers are searching for. Targeted keywords increase your chances of appearing in relevant search results.

Apply More Local SEO Strategies: Implement additional local SEO strategies, such as claiming other business citations, collecting and responding to reviews, and optimizing for voice search to enhance online visibility and attract local customers. These strategies will enhance your online presence and improve your chances of succeeding in local search results.

Great Impressions focuses on boosting its presence on Google Maps to attract local customers and increase sales. It stands out in Google searches by following 11 critical steps, like keeping information consistent and encouraging reviews. This commitment helps it earn top ratings and become a trusted choice for clients. Want to improve your business’s visibility? Contact Great Impressions now!

About the Author

 John Robins

John Robins

Managing Partner and Growth-Marketing Consultant, John Robins, began his career on the client side in the United Kingdom with the internationally renowned breakfast cereal company Weetabix Ltd, joining his first international advertising agency, Lintas, in Dubai in 1985; moving to BBDO in 1991. John has worked on some of the world’s most iconic brands, including PepsiCo, General Motors, Qantas Airlines, KLM, British Airways, Emirates, Emaar, Energizer, Unilever, Mars, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank, to name a few. John lived in Dubai for 35 years and has worked on leading brands for over 40 years. John and his partner Kiron John took over Great Impressions in October 2018. Following their early success, they now have offices in Tampa, Lakeland, and Winter Haven, USA.