As the saying goes, if you’re not on Google, you don’t exist! The importance of having your business show up in search results cannot be stressed enough, but too many business owners fall short when it comes to optimising their sites and getting that coveted spot on the map pack at the top of the…
If you haven’t already focused your attention on ranking in Google Maps, then there’s no time like the present to start learning how! The good news is that this isn’t particularly difficult if you follow the right steps and use the right techniques, this guide is all you need for increasing your rank.
What Is the Google Map Pack?
Imagine you are craving some brunch in your local area. What is the first thing you would do? Google “café near me”. Then the search engine will give you several options, but only three will be highlighted at the top (it used to be seven).
These listings show information about each business such as an address, business hours, prices, Google reviews and ratings, pictures, business recap and more. Positioning yourself in front of searchers will increase your click-through rate and drive new customers who are looking for exactly what you have to offer. Research shows that the Google Maps Pack accounts for up to 44% of all clicks on SERP and that is why you should put effort into working on it.
If it is so Important, how do you get there?
There is no guarantee that your business will appear in the top three results for all relevant queries as the algorithms that decide the featured Google Maps Pack businesses are constantly changing.
However, there are steps that could help you improve your local ranking and increase the chances of being listed in the top three positions.
1. Improve Your Google My Business
Connecting your business to Google My Business is the fundamental thing you should do in the beginning. After you have claimed your business, then update your information.
Update details such as company name, address, business category, etc. It is a simple but extremely crucial step to do in order to assist Google local pack to recognise you.
2. Grasp the Power of Online Reviews
Nearly 89% of consumers tend to rely on reviews when they have not had any experience previously with this store. Therefore, it is understandable that customers reviews play an extremely influential role in customers’ decision making.
Online reviews not only affect your search rankings on Google, but they also generate strong social proof for your brand. Subsequently, the positive reviews establish consumer confidence, drive more traffic and bring more sales in the long term.
Therefore, generating new reviews has become a vital task for local businesses and marketers.
Apart from generating reviews, it is also important to respond to your customers’ feedback, especially the negative ones. Research shows that 97% of shoppers also read responses from businesses when reading online reviews.
45 per cent of consumers are more willing to support a business when they see the business respond to their negative reviews. It is part of the customer service and also shows that you care about your customers, which raises the chance of them returning to your business.
3. Work On Location Info & Local Citations
You might have been working on basic optimisation techniques for your site already, nevertheless, obtaining a better Google Map Pack ranking is another thing.
Try to display your business information as often as you can. For example, add your own Google Maps to your website. Many companies would insert it on their About Us or Contact Us page. In that case, Google would consider your site more trustworthy compared to your competitors. Plus, it also assists you in focusing your SEO efforts on that particular city or area.
“Citations” are references of your company name, together with other vital information, on the internet, with or without a link back to your website. Connecting with credible sites, for instance, TripAdvisor, Yellow Pages or Expedia is helpful for improving your Google Map Pack positioning as well.
Here are some other places you could list your business:
- Social media sites, eg. Facebook and LinkedIn
- Local search engine. Eg. Google, Bing
- Online review websites as mentioned above
Being consistent with your information is a crucial part that you should never ignore. The information about your business should look the same on every platform. For example, if your address is “123 Brisbane Street”, then always spell in that way, rather than using “123 Brisbane St.” or “123 Brisbane Rd.” etc.
Final Thoughts…
If you want a chance to be in the Google Map Pack, you will need to employ every tactic available to you. Begin by connecting with Google My Business, engaging your local community through reviews, and optimising your site as much as possible. Local SEO strategies could bring a significant impact on your company’s overall sales and revenue.
Climbing to the top of the Google Map Pack may be daunting, but it is possible. You can assist your local business in reaching this milestone with the appropriate team, resources, and motivation. Book a consultation and have a chat with us and begin taking actions to expand your consumer base.
/*54745756836*/
