How To Rank Higher On Google Maps: A Comprehensive Guide

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for any website or business, and Google Maps is no exception. Being highly visible and easily accessible on the internet is essential for any business striving to reach a larger audience. Here, we'll take a deep dive into the guidelines and best practices to follow when attempting to increase a business' ranking on Google Maps.

One: NAP Consistency

NAP stands for Name, Address and Phone number and is the benchmark for credibility on Google Maps. Ensuring that your business' NAP is consistent across all listings is one of the most important aspects of ranking higher. Inconsistent NAP information confuses potential customers and lowers your credibility, eventually leading to a drop in ranking. Therefore, make sure that the NAP information provided is accurate, consistent and up-to-date across all listings.

Two: Quality Images

Adding quality images of your business is one of the best things you can do to increase your ranking on Google Maps. Customers are more likely to click and interact with your business if the info is accompanied by quality images. Moreover, businesses with relevant images are more likely to appear on Google Maps.

Do's:

Ensure images enhance the listing information - e.g. interior of the shop/store, logo, etc.

Make sure images are relevant and updated.

Make sure all images are of high quality.

Don'ts:

Don't add images that are irrelevant and confusing.

Don't add the same image multiple times.

Don't add images that are low quality.

Three: Reviews

Google reviews are a great way to build customer trust and increase rankings on Google Maps. They also play a role in the overall SEO of a business. Encouraging customer reviews is an integral part of Rankings and increasing a business' visibility. Moreover, proactive responses to all reviews, both positive and negative, can help businesses build loyalty and credibility with customers.

Four: Optimization of Search Terms

Using relevant search terms for your business is a great way to increase visibility and rankings on Google Maps. Including words like location and relevant geo-specific information (city, street, state, zip code, etc.) can help drive the right kind of customers to your business. Additionally, researching and adding a few long-tail keywords that are specific to a business can help tap the right target audience.

Five: Google My Business Listing

Claiming and verifying a business' Google My Business listing is very important for it to appear on Google Maps. Filling out all the details on the listing adds much-needed detail to potential customers. It also helps Google understand the business better. Posting content and photos periodically on the listing also helps increase visibility and creates a connection with customers. Additionally, verifying a business' website along with its listing ensures further credibility and improves rankings.

Six: Adhere to Google Guidelines

All businesses on Google Maps are bound by Google's guidelines and policies. Understanding these rules and adhering to them is essential for increasing rankings on the platform. Misrepresenting information, buffing reviews and encouraging fake reviews are all things discouraged by Google and can lead to lower ratings or even outright bans. Therefore, it is best to read up on Google's guidelines and abide by them for all your Google Maps activities.

Seven: Utilize Schema Markup

Utilizing mapping Schema Markup is a great way to optimize sales and increase rankings on Google Maps. Implementing Schema Markup adds more detail and context to your business, helps customers gain better understanding, and drives more traffic to your page. Furthermore, it can also help against keyword stuffing and result in better overall SEO.

Eight: Monitor Competitors

Google Maps, like most internet activities, is highly competitive. To stay ahead of the curve, it is important to stay abreast of your competitors' activities on the platform. Monitoring activities like new posts, customer reviews, their SEO content, etc., can give businesses an idea on how they can make their presence better on Google Maps.

Final Word

Google Maps is the premier business listing platform and is essential for any company looking to increase its visibility across the web. Keeping the points mentioned in this article in mind and properly implementing them can go a long way in increasing your rankings on Google Maps and driving the kind of customers you need for your business.