How to improve your Google Maps ranking

James Hussey

When was the last time you searched Google for a local business?

You might have looked for a nearby restaurant, a builder or somewhere to get your car repaired. Chances are, you looked at the map results before scrolling much further.

That’s why being visible on Google Maps matters if you run a local business. The businesses that appear towards the top are more likely to get the click, the phone call or the enquiry.

So, what can you actually do to improve your position?

Start with your Google Business Profile

First, check your Google Business Profile. You’d be surprised how often businesses have old information sitting there.

Make sure your opening hours, phone number, website and address are correct. Your business category matters too, so choose the one that best describes what you actually do.

It’s also worth adding some decent photos. They don’t need to be taken by a professional photographer. A few pictures of your team, your premises or examples of your work can make the profile much more useful.

Don’t forget about it once you’ve made these changes. Add new photos or updates when you have something relevant to share.

Encourage customers to leave reviews

If you’ve done a good job for a customer, there’s no harm in asking them to leave a Google review.

Reviews can help reassure someone who hasn’t dealt with your business before. They can also help your business stand out when it appears alongside several competitors.

Keep the reviews genuine. Buying them or asking friends and family to write reviews isn’t the answer.

When someone does leave a review, take a moment to reply. You don’t need to write much. A simple thank you can be enough.

Keep your business details the same

Take a look at the other places your business appears online. Is your address the same everywhere? What about your phone number and business name?

If you’ve changed any of these recently, update the old listings. Having different information in different places can make things unnecessarily confusing.

Don’t overlook your website

Your website has a part to play as well. Make it clear what your business does and which areas you cover.

Local SEO isn’t something you fix in an afternoon. Keep your Google Business Profile accurate, collect genuine reviews and make sure your website and other online listings agree with each other.

Those small jobs can add up over time and give your business a better chance of appearing when local customers are searching.

If you need any help enhancing your local SEO performance, please get in touch with us at Engage Web.

About
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James Hussey

Digital Marketing Executive at Engage Web

Having once gone to school in the Burnage area of Manchester known for being the childhood home of Noel and Liam Gallagher, “Some Might Say” that James is a “Supersonic” presence within Engage Web, happily turning his hand to “Whatever” tasks his role throws at him.