Guide for the Google Maps Ranking
If you run a local business, Google has an effective solution for your local marketing needs. According to SEO experts, marketing via Google Maps is a great way to reach the local target audience.
So if you want your business to rank at the top of Google, but your competitors are currently dominating the local search results with the same keywords and geographical areas, then we will help you.
It is essential for every company to receive a good and qualitative amount of traffic from search engines. However, finding the quickest and most effective way for your target group to reach you can be a major challenge for a company.
Google Maps is the ideal marketing solution for your local needs.
Google Maps is effective
Google Maps Marketing is probably the easiest and quickest way to carry out a local SEO campaign and has proven to be highly effective. So if you are promoting your business online, but the audience you want to reach is narrowed down to a specific area, you should consider this marketing measure to be easily found when people search for your keywords or company name.
You rely on Google for your search
It is a well-known fact that almost everyone uses Google for their searches and the majority rely on Google’s results. Especially when it comes to searching for local business services, organizations, goods, etc., Google Maps is the source of trust for users.
So you can see why Google Maps plays an important role in the world of the Internet, helping users to quickly and easily find accurate information about nearby businesses.
Let Google know that your company exists
To ensure that your target group can also reach your company via search, it is important to let Google know that your company exists. Make sure that Google can crawl/ crawl your site and get indexed – otherwise you will not appear in the search results.
The importance of appearing in Google Maps
If you have a business, agency or organization and it is not found on Google Maps for your target keywords (or at least when searching for the company name), then you will quickly lose a lot of potential customers – to the competition.
Whether it’s simple things like opening hours or your location, if a user can’t get clarity or information and another business appears nearby, there’s a very good chance that your actual potential customer will consider that business because it gives them the information you couldn’t provide.
Expect high sales rates through Google Maps
The sales rate for Google Maps results is very high. Companies that are already highly listed can focus on improving their sales performance and taking their business to the next level. With a free Google My Businesss entry, you can take advantage of many opportunities for your company.
The goal: Ranking in the Google Maps 3 Pack results
Place your Google Business listing on Google Maps higher than your competitors to get the best results. Normally Google only shows 3 businesses on page 1 of the Maps search results; these results are known as the Google Maps 3 Pack.
Placing the business listing in the Google 3 Pack for your main keywords should be the goal to get quality traffic and increase the sales conversion rate.
Free Google Maps entry
Fortunately, Google allows all business information (if correct and genuine) to be submitted to Google Maps. Simply add your information to your Google My Business profile free of charge!
Call-to-action buttons
Google Maps results are compatible and easily accessible on all types of smartphones, mobile devices, tabloids, desktops and laptops and also provide call-to-action information about your business. These also appear in the search results and make it easy for potential customers to contact them or call them. These types of buttons are known to be easily accessible and particularly user-friendly.
Create a Google My Business account
Businesses should take advantage of the opportunity Google offers by submitting their business information to Google for verification. The process is really simple: all you need is a Gmail account where you can create a Google My Business (GMB) entry.
Google My Business is a great way to create free business listings on Google Maps for Business and then appear directly on Google.
Your verified GMB profile
As soon as the Google My Business entry has been verified by Google, the business information is displayed in the Google Maps results. You can easily check this by entering your company name in the Google search.
Providing your business information
So that customers can reach you, Google offers more options than just your company name and telephone number. This additional information usually includes the company name, address/phone number, website, directions, opening hours, pictures, customer reviews, etc. All of this helps the visitor to find out more about your company.
Optimal customer interaction
Customers can not only get information about your company or find you quickly in local search results. The possibility of inquiries and reviews allows the customer to reach you and you can respond to the customer accordingly. This customer interaction increases loyalty to your company.
A particularly practical feature is that customers can make a call directly from your GMB entry using the number you have stored.
Traffic overview
So whether the customer calls you or communicates with you in any other way, a Google My Business account is very transparent. It provides insights about your traffic and shows how users searched for your business and how often, as well as the number of calls made. It gives you a good overview of how well your organization is running and where it still needs to be optimized.
Your advantages with Google
- Google Maps is an organic free listing
- Google offers both a free Google My Business entry and paid local search ads
Organic results are free listings and you don’t have to pay anything to get your business listed and ranked well on Google Maps. However, if you want to rank at the top of the 3-pack, you should organize appropriate and effective Google Maps marketing of your GMB listing. Depending on the effort and marketing tactics, the keyword rankings improve and the business entry is placed in the 3-pack.
Google Local Search Ad is a paid advertising tool that allows you to target your local area. Depending on the bid, these local ads are displayed at the top of the organic search results of Google Maps 3-Pack. The costs are based on the cost-per-click principle. You can set up a budget according to your requirements and wishes. Local search ads are ideal for immediate results.
Are you already listed on Google Maps?
Check whether your company is already listed in Google My Business Listing or not. In many cases, business owners don’t find the time to list their business information on Google My Business. There is a possibility that these unlisted companies will be listed in Google Maps by default. In this case, Google receives the address and other basic business information from the “Contact” page of the website. If this entry is found by a business owner, this should be claimed and the business ownership verified.
So first you need to search Google for your business name, title or the phone number that appears on the contact page of your website. If the entry is found, you can claim it. If you cannot find your business entry, you will need to set one up.
The Google My Business checklist
An overview of the most important information you need for Google My Business:
- Business name/title (the first letter of each word is capitalized)
- Business address
- Office/business hours
- Business description (approx. 30 words)
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Keywords/ Tags
- Profile picture
- Cover picture
- Other pictures/ photos
- Company video (short length, if available)
Remember that a good profile not only attracts and appeals to customers, but also strengthens trust in your company. Make sure your profile is complete and populate it with assets (offers, links to blog articles, etc.) and choose an appropriate business category.
Important: If there is an entry for an old company at the same location where you are registering a new company, please do not claim it! Instead, suggest an edit so that it is marked as closed.
How to register in Google My Business
1. log in to Google My Business.
2. log in to your Google account/create one. Then click on Continue. (Log in with your business e-mail domain).
3. enter the name of your company or chain (you can choose your chain from the suggestions).
4. enter the address of your company. (If your company does not have a physical location, but a service area, enter the corresponding area). Then click on Continue.
5. select whether your business location should be displayed in Google Maps.
Serve customers at your business address:
1. enter your business address.
2. click Next.
Tip: If you also serve customers outside your business address, you also have the option of listing your service areas.
Do not serve customers at your business address:
1. enter your business address.
2. click below on “I deliver goods and services to my customers” and then on Continue.
3. enter your service areas and click Next.
After these steps:
1. search for a business category and select it. You can also select a more specific category if necessary. Then click on Next.
2. enter a phone number or a website URL for your chain and click Finish.
Tip: You also have the option to create a free website based on your information. It is recommended that you provide a separate phone number or business page for each location instead of a single central call center.
3. select Verification option. (If you want to be verified later, simply click on the same button. If you are not authorized to manage the business chain profile, please contact the person authorized to do so).
Check your Google My Business listing
You can check your Google My Business listing as follows: by phone, e-mail, letter or instant check.
Your GMB entry will then be displayed in Google Maps as soon as it has been confirmed by Google.
As soon as your business listing has been confirmed by Google, it will appear in the Google Maps results. To see your listing, you can simply search for your business name in Google.
Optimize your GMB entry
- Once you have verified your company, it’s time to complete your profile.
- Go to the Google My Business dashboard, click on the listing you want to work on, select “About” and then choose an area you want to fill in or update.
- Include as much information and media as possible, such as a business portfolio, your area of operation, opening hours, attributes (e.g. free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, etc.), the day and year you opened, as well as a public phone number and website URL.
- Anyone can suggest an edit to your entry, so it is important that you A) get it right first time (so you don’t encourage people to make their own changes) and B) log into your GMB dashboard regularly and ensure that all details look correct.
- You can edit your company profile at any time by logging into your GMB dashboard, clicking on “Info”, clicking on the pencil next to the field you wish to edit, making your changes and then selecting Apply.
Google My Business App
GMB is also available as an in-app form for iOS and Android. You can use the app to:
- Update business hours, location, contact information and description
- Publish status and pictures
- Show search insights
The app is not there to:
- Delete business entries
- Change settings
- Transfer entries to other users
You are ready for Google Maps 3-pack marketing!
The next steps are the marketing of your business listings, i.e. Google Maps marketing. The end goal is to reach the top of the Google Maps 3-pack results, or at least within the 3-pack results.
Google always wants to offer its visitors the best. So the question is, what are the best marketing tactics in the eyes of Google? To name just a few:
- Google Maps optimization (provide as much information as possible in your GMB profile)
- Be active on a regular basis
- Provide accurate, relevant and up-to-date information about your company on GMB
- Post appealing content(content, HD photos, short videos)
- Get more reviews from customers
- Respond to customer reviews and questions
- Improve interactions with customers
- Publish blog content in your GMB
- Carry out content-based local SEO
- Google Maps Questions & Answers
Google Maps Questions & Answers
Another important feature is the Google Maps Questions & Answers. Here users have the opportunity to ask you a question, be it about products/services etc. Here you can and should answer the question as quickly as possible. This way, your potential customers get answers to their questions quickly and are more likely to make use of your service/product.
This process therefore not only improves your activity – a clear SEO factor– but also helps you to build trust and increase the conversion rate.
Google Reviews
This is one of the best ways to prove the value of your company and attract more new customers. Many people value reviews and read through the ratings that appear on Google Maps. It usually decides whether a potential customer will then contact you or not. So offer the best service/products for your customers and try to get good and honest reviews. Remember: A satisfied customer brings “more” customers.
Rarely does a company only have positive reviews – especially when its reach increases. There will inevitably be someone who writes a negative review from time to time. It is important that you also respond to these negative reviews and show that you are interested in criticism for improvement or help with problems with the product/service – and above all – always remain polite.
In the case of positive comments, it is important for the customer’s good feeling and to strengthen customer loyalty to also reply. Here you can thank them for their support.
High-quality photos & short videos
Portfolio photo: Upload a portfolio photo (company logo, photo of the owner, etc.). This profile picture is displayed when you reply to reviews or post new assets.
Post a cover photo that appeals to visitors. The cover photo is displayed at the top of the front page of your company.
Post current photos in high quality. These can be of your work, before/after photos, offers, the service area, goods etc. Photos are also a good source of information for the user.
Short videos (approx. 30 seconds or less) about your company, testimonials from satisfied customers, your biography, an overview of services/products etc. are an ideal basis that also serves to provide information.
Remember, the more people know about you or your company, the greater the chances of conversions.
Blog content on Google My Business
It is a well-known fact that informative and customer-oriented content is the key to successful internet marketing. Fortunately, the Google My Business listing allows you to publish your blog content (overview/ a few lines) in the GMB listing and each post links back to your website. This overview is displayed at the bottom of your GMB entry.
Post content regularly (at least once a week). This helps visitors to always be up to date about your company. The articles should also always be relevant to your business category.
Social media profile links
Almost every company is and should be active on social media, if only for the benefits of networking and greater reach. Corresponding icons for the social media pages are displayed directly at the edge of your GMB entry. Therefore, link them to your corresponding profiles.
Local directories
Submit your company listing to local directories with high domain authority. Also, try to get backlinks from the local directories of the areas you serve.
Google My Business Insights
Analytics helps you determine and track traffic, user behavior, site metrics, bounce rate, and business resource performance; as well as analyze other attributes. If you have a Google My Business listing, it is important to know how it is performing.
The performance of your Google My Business listing can be tracked and analyzed using “Insights” on the dashboard of your GMB account (available by default). Google My Business Insights will help you find out how people are finding your business, how many clicks your listing has received, how many calls have been made, how many people have requested directions and much more.
You should always pay attention to the insights as they help you track the overall results. You can also see how your company assets (photos, videos, article links) are developing. You can delete non-performing assets and update the new/current assets to gain more traction/attention from visitors.
Quick view of Google Maps Marketing – Top 10
Create a Google My Business entry and
- Optimize
- Receive ratings
- Manage GMB entry
- Update entry with current assets (photos, videos, etc.) & other information
- Monitoring and responding to reviews
- Answer the questions
- Continue to post content on the blog (that was published on your GMB)
- Pay attention to insights, track results (know the behavior of your customers)
- Receive new and more positive ratings
Get started!
Now that you know the most important things about Google Maps and its features thanks to this detailed guide, nothing stands in the way of your ranking! Implement the steps, personalize it to your own liking and aim to appear in the 3-pack results.