If you're aiming to get your business consistently ranked at the top of the Google Maps section, here are some proven strategies that can help. With local searches making up nearly half of all Google searches, and a majority of those searchers clicking on the Google Map Pack (the top map section), it's crucial to ensure your business is visible there. Here's how you can optimize your Google My Business (GMB) listing to boost your rankings.
1. Choose the Right Business Category
Selecting the correct primary business category is essential, as Google heavily relies on this to determine the relevance of your business in search results. There are often multiple categories that could describe your service, but the key is to choose the one that aligns most closely with what top-ranking competitors are using. You can find out what categories your competitors are using by installing the GMB Everywhere Plugin. This tool will reveal their primary category, helping you to make an informed choice for your own listing.
2. Optimize Your Business Name
Including relevant keywords in your business name can improve your ranking for those specific services. For example, if you want to rank for "Denver Lawn Care Services," naming your business something like "Big Mike's Denver Lawn Care" can make it clear to Google that you are highly relevant for that search term. However, ensure that the name you use is your legitimate business name to comply with Google’s policies.
3. Ensure Your Business Location is in the Service Area
Google tends to prioritize businesses that are physically located within the city limits of the area being searched. If your business isn’t located within the target city, consider setting up a co-working space or a virtual office within those limits. Just make sure the location is staffed during business hours, as Google requires.
4. Craft a Keyword-Rich Business Description and Select the Right Services
Your business description is your opportunity to tell Google exactly what you do and where you do it. Use this space to include relevant keywords that describe your services. Additionally, make sure to fill out all sections of your listing, especially the services and products. Choose a few key services that best represent your business, rather than overloading this section with too many options, to keep your focus clear.
5. Add High-Quality, Geo-Tagged Photos and Videos
Uploading photos and videos to your GMB listing helps potential customers get a better sense of your business, and it also signals to Google that you’re active. You can go a step further by geo-tagging these images, which tells Google exactly where the photos were taken. This can reinforce the location of your business and boost your relevance in local searches.
6. Encourage and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are a significant factor in how Google ranks businesses. The more positive reviews you have, the more trustworthy your business appears to Google. Make it a habit to ask customers for reviews after you’ve provided a service. Even a simple follow-up text or email with a direct link to your review page can significantly increase the number of reviews you receive. Don’t forget to respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to show that you’re engaged and value customer feedback.
7. Optimize the Landing Page Linked to Your GMB Listing
The page you link to from your GMB listing should be highly relevant to the services and location you're targeting. Make sure it includes important keywords in the title, H1, and H2 tags, and that your business name, address, and phone number are consistently displayed across the web. Embedding a Google Map on this page can further enhance your local SEO and improve your chances of ranking higher in local searches.
Bonus Tip: Build Local Backlinks
Whenever possible, get backlinks to your website from other local businesses or news outlets. If you collaborate with another business or participate in a community event, ask for a link to your site from theirs. This will help increase your local relevance and authority, making it more likely that Google will rank your business higher.
By following these steps, you can improve your chances of ranking at the top of the Google Maps section, driving more traffic and customers to your business. If you found this guide useful, please share it with other business owners, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips. Thanks for reading!