Have you ever wondered, ‘How do I rank higher on Google?’ It’s a silly question to ask really – every website owner is searching for ways to rank higher on Google. From global brands to local stores, there’s a continual battle to land that all-important top spot in search engine results pages.
This is why local SEO is so important for local businesses. It removes the element of having to fight for spaces against the world, which gives local entities a greater chance of visibility on Google.
As far as local SEO ranking factors go, one of the most important is Google Maps. This may come as a surprise, but if you’re curious about how to rank your business higher on Google, Maps can make all the difference.
There are two major reasons for this. Firstly, people directly utilize Google Maps to find local businesses. In addition, a lofty Google Maps ranking ensures your company has a greater chance of landing within the “3 pack” search results.
From backlinks to reviews, several elements play a part in your Google Maps ranking. Yet there’s one component which sits above all others: Google My Business.
Google My Business: what is it?
If you’re asking the question, ‘How to rank higher on Google Maps?’, your first step to an answer should revolve around your Google My Business listing.
GMB is a free-to-use platform that offers the chance for local businesses to show up in relevant local searches. Even if you haven’t heard the name before, you have likely interacted with numerous GMB listings in the past. This is because GMB is the main course for all local SEO campaigns. If you don’t have a listing, your local business is unlikely to rank higher on Google Maps.
What does a Google My Business profile contain? Here are some of the main details:
- Business name
- Business category
- Phone number
- Address
- Website URL
- Opening hours
- Reviews
- Images
There are two methods for a user to come across a GMB profile. One way is if someone searches directly about a specific brand/business. If this is done, the GMB listing appears to the right of search results on desktop. The other, more common method is when someone finds the GMB listing within the ‘pack’. This is either in the “3 pack” or Google Maps results.
Claiming your Google My Business listing
Right, you now know the first move on how to rank better on Google Maps. Now you need to create or claim your GMB listing – if you haven’t done so already.
Begin by doing a quick search of your business name in Google. If your business appears on the right-hand side of the search results page, you should see the following message: “Own this business?” If this message doesn’t appear, there are two reasons why. Firstly, you have already claimed your GMB listing. Secondly, an external party might have claimed it. If the latter has happened, contact Google to request ownership.
Is there no listing at all for your business? To create one, hop over to the Google My Business page.
When filling in your GMB profile, you’ll be asked to include information like your business name, address, phone number, and business category. When doing this, always stay consistent with details that are already available. If your website has your address down as “Wall Street”, for instance, avoid listing it on your GMB profile as “Wall St.” If you dodge discrepancies like these, you will be rewarded by Google.
How to rank higher on Google Maps: tips and tricks
Your GMB is the first step. Now it’s about learning how to optimize for Google Maps. To do this, there are several methods to reach the next level of Google Maps.
Choose the right category
Picking the right business category on GMB is vital. When you select the category that represents your company best, you’re essentially telling Google – and your audience – exactly what you do. As a result, your company will show up in the right search queries.
This is a straightforward task for most businesses. Others, however, come under various categories – and this makes the decision a confusing one. If faced with this situation, think about what your company is best known for and use this as the basis for your primary category. You can then utilize several secondary categories to cover your other services.
Include eye-catching imagery
Everyone loves visual content. It’s much easier to consume compared to text content, and it helps to engage and connect with consumers. As GMB offers the chance to upload images to your profile, don’t pass on the opportunity.
When picking imagery that represents your business, consider:
- A business logo
- Main products and services
- Photos of your premises
- Staff members
Create posts
Did you know you can create posts via GMB? This feature is often overlooked, but it’s an effective way to post news, products, deals, etc.
If you can write content that is engaging and comes attached with a strong call to action, these posts could even lead to a sales increase. Oh, and in some circles, it is believed a regular stream of GMB posts – which are optimized with keywords – can boost your local rankings.
Gain reviews (and respond to them)
Reviews are essential for pretty much every business these days. A collection of positive reviews helps to convince potential customers that yes, your business is one that can be trusted. More importantly, from a local SEO point of view, these reviews send positive signals in the direction of Google. Plus, the more reviews you have, the better. A business with 100 positive reviews is going to be judged more favorably than one with 10 such reviews.
As well as gaining reviews, always take the time to those that have left feedback. Even if it’s a negative review, a professional and compassionate response can actually turn this into a positive one.
No longer do you have to search for an answer on ‘How to get my business higher on Google Maps’. Now you are well-prepared to transform your Google Maps SEO and rise up the search rankings. However, if you’re still not comfortable with this aspect of local SEO, our expert team is always here to help.
We understand how to rank in Google Maps successfully – our highly rated managed SEO campaigns are a testament to that. Contact us today if you want to rule a local search!
