When a customer is searching online for a business like yours, it is critical to make sure that you rank in Google Maps listings to improve your chances of customers selecting your business. Several ranking factors affect whether or not your business shows up in the first three search results that Google Maps displays.
Keep reading to learn what these ranking factors are and how to optimize your business profile to rank in the Google map pack. The higher your business ranks, the more customers will find your business!
How to Rank on Google Maps
Ranking in the top three Google Maps listings helps your target audience find you. Figuring out how to do this may seem like a bit of a puzzle, but you can master the key steps to rank on Google. If you have asked yourself, “Why am I not ranking in Google Maps?” follow these steps:
- Create and optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Place Google Maps on your website
- Post consistent updates to your Google Business Profile
- Build high-quality backlinks on your website
- Encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile listing
- Utilize local business schema
- Include updated business hours
- Keep your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) consistent across the web
- Include photos on your Google My Business listing
- Optimize your business profile by categorizing it properly with your main keyword
- Consistently optimize your website to improve its SEO
These steps are the key to showing up in the top three Google Maps listings, also known as the Google Maps Pack. To rank in Google Maps listings among these top three coveted spots, many variables affect whether or not your business makes it to the top, and Google adjusts the ranking criteria frequently. Partnering with an experienced marketing firm to manage your Google Business Profile takes the hassle of keeping up with ranking changes off your plate.
Create an Optimized Google Maps Business Listing to Rank on Google Maps Pack
The quality of your business listing matters when it comes to ranking in the top three of Google Maps listings. When customers search for businesses in your industry, they’ll see several business profiles.
Research shows that customers are likely to select one of the first few businesses in the search results, so your profile needs to stand out. Over 85% of customers who use Google Maps to perform a relevant search for a local business will visit the business in 48 hours or less.
A strong business profile is critical to rank in Google Maps Listing results. The three main ways to create a strong, optimized business profile include:
- Verify your business listing: You can’t just create a Google Maps business listing—you have to verify it with Google to prove you are who you say you are.
- Build out subcategories: In addition to including your main keyword, add the subcategories related to your business to increase your visibility.
- Create niche citations: Creating niche citations means creating records of your business name, address, and phone number. Citations on Google Maps listings are similar to how backlinks work for websites.
Near Me Website Marketing is the leading provider of google business profile services and SEO services. We can help you optimize your Google profile with customized solutions or create a marketing plan for your business from scratch. To improve your rank in Google Maps listings, give our experts a call at (660) 988-4373 today.