How To Rank #1 On Google Maps In 2019
5 Easy Tips For Ranking Higher On Google Maps
How to use local search engine optimization (Local SEO) to get discovered by your local customers
For businesses serving specific locations (local businesses), the importance of using local search engine optimization to rank on Google Maps can’t be overemphasized. In particular, ranking in the top 3 search results for your service or product will bring in your most relevant leads, and plenty of them (and cheaper than any other traffic source).
If your competition is ahead of you on the top 3 google listings you are losing a lot of business and leads to them!
So how do I rank #1 in google maps?
Most of the groundwork that needs to be laid for a robust Google Maps presence is relatively straightforward. It just takes a little time and attention to detail. And these are the details you’re going to need to pay close attention to.
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#1 - Verify your Google My Business Listing
First, you need to ensure that your listing exists and that Google knows you consider it official. Click here to add or claim your Google My Business listing. From there, you can follow the steps to find your listing (it probably exists even if you never set it up), and then verify it by postcard, phone, or email.
#2 - Optimize Your Listing
Once your Google My Business listing is verified, optimize it for best results. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your listing is going to rank as high as possible:
Use your actual, legal business name.
List a local number, not a toll-free number.
Pick the right primary category.
Use the correct primary category for all locations.
Upload profile and cover photos.
Add other pictures that relate to your business.
List business hours.
#3 - Ensure your NAP is consistent
Your NAP—business name, address, and phone number—should be listed in a consistent way everywhere.
Start with your website contact page, Google My Business page, and social media accounts. Then consider other listings you have. Is the information the same across the boards? If not, Google will get confused. And when Google is confused, it hurts your rankings. Google your business name and check that your NAP is listed the same way in all of the places where it comes up.
#4 - Get Listings
Speaking of “all the places where it comes up”, ideally, there should be a lot of places where your business is listed. If you’re serving a geographically specific clientele, having a presence in directories like Yelp and Foursquare is crucially important. (This is something we can help you with!)
Having plenty of listings signals to Google that your business is legitimate and encourages it to rank it higher in Google Maps.
Submit your business to as many local and national directories as you can find. To get started, here’s a great list of online directories that impact local marketing.
#5 - Get Reviews
Last—but most certainly not least—you need Google reviews from as many people as possible. Google wants to share results that are as maximally relevant to searchers. The more reviews it sees, the more legitimate it considers your business.
If that wasn’t reason enough to get more reviews, you should consider the impact they’ll have on your potential customers. Research shows that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations. Plus, it’s been shown that positive reviews boost conversion rates more than any other local SEO effort.
So the more reviews you get, the more Google will rank you, the more your leads will trust you, and the more they will purchase your goods or services. Reviews are essential!
To get more Google reviews:
Follow up with recent customers and asking them to submit a review
Call up customers and ask them if you can post a review for them
Try not to be embarrassed—you can always be candid with customers and say that you need the reviews for SEO
Implement these 5 tips today for ranking on Google Maps and watch the leads come in.
Local search engine optimization takes a little time and effort, but the pay-off is
undeniable.