How to rank your business on Google Maps

Ever searched for a local business on Google Maps, hoping to find one close by?  If you own a business, you want to be the top result for those searches! This guide will reveal the key factors that affect your ranking and what you can do to climb the ladder.

How Google ranks local businesses

When you search for a business on Maps, Google considers three main things:

• Relevance: Does your business actually offer what the searcher needs?
• Distance: Google prioritises showing businesses closest to the searcher's location.
• Prominence: This is the one you have the most control over. It reflects how reputable and trustworthy Google thinks your business is.

Optimising your Google Business Profile

The first step to ranking in local searches is claiming and optimising your Google My Business profile. It's a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Maps and Search. Here's what you need to do:

1. Claim your listing: This gives you control over your business information.
2. Fill out all the details: Include as much information about your business as possible including: contact number, address, operating hours, service area, website address.
3. Add high-quality photos: Showcase your team, your location, and the kind of work you do. Take advantage of Google Posts, a free feature within your Google My Business profile. Share updates, promotions, and events to keep your profile fresh and attract potential customers.
4. Encourage reviews: Positive reviews are a huge factor in prominence. The core ranking factor for a business to appear number one on Google Maps is a high number of 5-star reviews. Regularly follow up and ask satisfied customers to leave a review on your profile. Increase your total number of 5-star reviews (aim for at least 30) and avoid 1 or 2-star reviews where possible.

Building a strong online presence

There's more to ranking high than just your Google My Business profile. Here are some additional tips to help boost your online presence:

Get listed in relevant directories

This includes industry-specific directories and general business directories.

Build backlinks to your website

Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better. A good idea is to get your website listed in directories and listings and gain a backlink that way. This is something Google even recommends in their guide.

Optimise your website

Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and includes relevant keywords for your service area and target audience.

Extra pointers to help you rank on Google Maps

• Consistency is key: Double-check that your business information (contact details, address, etc.) is exactly the same across all websites. If there are any discrepancies, like in local directories, be sure to correct them.
• Engage with your customers: Respond to reviews, thanking customers for positive ones and addressing any concerns raised in negative ones. Take any valid criticism as an opportunity to improve and showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction. This builds trust and encourages future customers to choose you.
• Keep your profile fresh: Use updates on your Google My Business profile to announce promotions or new services.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of ranking higher on Google Maps and attracting more customers to your business, no matter what industry or trade you're in!