The Ultimate Guide for Local Businesses to Master Google Map Rankings: How To Rank Higher on Google Maps

How To Rank Higher on Google Maps: The Ultimate Guide for Local Businesses to Master Google Map Rankings

Greetings, business owners! Tanner Hanks here, and today, we’re talking about the power of Google Maps for local businesses and how to get your business listed high on Google Maps. 

First things first, why is it so important to optimize your business for Google Map rankings? The truth is, a vast number of your potential customers are turning to Google Maps to find local businesses just like yours. When it comes to local searches on Google, over 80% result in a conversion. That's why ranking high on Google Maps and local search engine results can make a monumental difference in your business's success.

Consider this: when your local customers are looking for a product or service you provide, they're likely to use the Google Maps app on their phones. And if your business doesn't appear on Google Maps — or worse, ranks low — you're missing out on potential local customers. The higher your Google Maps ranking, the more visible your business will be, which means more foot traffic, more customers, and more revenue. 

Your Google Maps ranking will suffer if your business information isn't fully optimized, so let's break down how to rank higher on Google Maps and ensure your business is readily visible on Google.

Step 1: Setting Up Your google business profile Profile

The first step towards getting your business higher on Google Maps is creating a google business profile account. Your google business profile profile is like your business’s home on Google. It allows you to add your business to Google and provides a place to share crucial business information about your business. It’s your business profile on steroids!

Once your google business profile account is set up, verify your business. This step ensures that all information about your business on Google is accurate and that you're the rightful owner of the business. Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your business address — it's simple, but important.

Remember, your business on Google is more than just a name and an address. Make sure to complete your Google business profile by filling in all relevant details — from business hours to the services you offer. Your Google Maps business listings contain a link to your website, which helps your website to rank higher too!

Step 2: Optimize Your Google Business Profile

After setting up and verifying your business on Google Maps, the next step is to optimize your Google business profile. This means giving Google as much information as possible to make it easier for Google to understand your business and help Google associate your business with relevant search queries.

Be precise when entering your business name in Google. Use your official business name, as consistency across the web is a key local ranking factor. Include your products and services in the description and categorize your business correctly. This will increase your visibility on Google and make your business easier to find for relevant queries.

Step 3: Manage and Update Your Listing

Keeping your listing on Google Maps updated is crucial for ranking higher. Any change in your business hours, products, or services should be promptly updated. This ensures your listing is always accurate and helps avoid any potential customer frustration. If your listing is not regularly updated, your Google Maps ranking will suffer. 

Encourage your customers to leave reviews and always respond to them. Reviews are a significant ranking factor in the Google Maps algorithm. A healthy interaction with your customers can significantly impact your Google Maps ranking. 

Furthermore, add photos of your business, products, and services. Listings with photos are more likely to attract attention and engagement, which can boost your ranking on Google Maps.

Step 4: Embed a Google Map on Your Website

Embedding a Google Map on your website is another way to rank higher on Google Maps. This gives signals to Google that your website and your Google

 Business Profile pages are related, which can increase your local SEO efforts' effectiveness.

Step 5: Local Citations

Local citations — any online mention of your business name, address, and phone number — also play a crucial role in ranking higher in Google Maps. Consistent citations across the web help validate your business information on Google and improve your local search results' standing.

Step 6: SEO and Backlinks

Last but not least, never underestimate the power of SEO and backlinks when it comes to local SEO. They can help your website to rank higher, which in turn can positively influence your Google Maps ranking.

Backlinks from reputable websites give Google a signal that your business is trustworthy and reliable. They serve as 'votes of confidence' for your business, which can boost your positions on Google Maps.

Remember, Google Maps SEO and website SEO go hand in hand. By optimizing both, you can ensure a strong online presence that's vital for local businesses.

Navigating the world of local SEO and Google Map rankings can be a daunting task. But as you've seen, the rewards for ranking in Google Maps are well worth the effort. These tips to rank higher on Google Maps are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local SEO, but they offer a robust starting point.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, or you just want to focus on what you do best — running your business — we're here to help. Our team of SEO experts has a proven track record of getting local businesses in the top 3 of Google Maps within just 3-6 months. 

You've got nothing to lose and so much to gain. Simply reach out using the chat widget, and let's start getting your business the visibility it deserves. Remember, a higher Google Maps ranking means more local customers and more revenue — and we can make it happen for you.