Online visibility is key to your success. Are you doing everything you can to make sure your business ranks as high as possible on Google Maps?
This post shows you, step by step, how to rank higher on Google Maps so more customers discover your business. You’ll learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile.
How Google Ranks Businesses
Google wants to help people find what they’re searching for. That’s what a good search engine does. Rankings for local businesses are based primarily on three factors.
1. Relevance
If someone searches for “landscaping companies Austin” and you run a landscaping company, you’ll score high for “relevance.”
2. Distance
You will rank higher on Google Maps if you are close to the location specified in the search or the location of the person who made the search.
3. Prominence
More reviews and positive ratings can help you rank higher. If your business has a strong online reputation, Google wants to show you to its users.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Make sure you claim your Google Business Profile (GBP, Business Profile) so you can manage how your business shows up on Google. You will also need to verify your business so it is eligible to show up on Google Search and Google Maps.
1. Make Sure Your NAP Is Accurate
NAP refers to a your Name, Address, and Phone number. Check that your business name, address, and phone number are included on your Business Profile and that the information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Double Check Your Business Category
Make sure your business category is correct. If you don’t have the right category selected, you will have a hard time showing up online in front of the right people.
3. Maintain Accurate Business Hours
Keep your business hours accurate and up-to-date. If you’re closed for a special occasion or holiday, or your regular business hours change for any reason, update your Business Profile.
4. Get Customer Reviews on Google
Here’s what Google says about reviews:
High-quality, positive reviews from your customers can improve your business visibility and increase the likelihood that a shopper will visit your location.
Google Business Profile Help
Reviews help you attract more customers. 77% of consumers “always” or “regularly” read online reviews when looking for a local business.
5. Respond to Your Reviews
Google encourages businesses to respond to their online reviews, both positive and negative. Here’s what Google says about responding to reviews:
Respond to reviews that users leave about your business. When you reply to reviews, it shows that you value your customers and their feedback.
Google Business Profile Help
89% of consumers are “highly” or “fairly” likely to use a business that responds to all of its online reviews. 57% say they would be “not very” or “not at all” likely to use a business that doesn’t respond to reviews at all.
6. Add Photos of Your Business
Add photos of your products, services, storefront/office, and team to your Business Profile. Photos make your Business Profile more attractive and engaging in local search results.
Be sure to add your logo to your Google Business Profile, as well as a cover photo. To really help your business stand out, add photos like these:
- Photos of the exterior of your storefront
- Photos of the inside of your business
- Photos of your products
7. Add Your Products and Services
Show customers what you offer by adding your products and/or services to your Business Profile. You can include a description of the product/service, the price, and a link for customers to learn more.
Bonus Tips
1. Add a Compelling Business Description
Tell people what you offer, what sets you apart, and anything else that’s helpful for customers to know. Introduce yourself to potential customers and tell them how you can help.
2. Create Posts on Google
Google Posts help you attract more customers from Google Search and Google Maps. They make your listing more engaging for people who find your business online. Here are some things you can do with posts:
- Promote a special offer that you are currently offering
- Promote an event that you are organizing at your business
- Share a positive customer review
Wrapping Up
Now that you understand how to rank higher on Google Maps, it’s time to put what you’ve learned into practice. Optimize your Google Business Profile and start seeing more customers find your business online.
