Users of the worldwide Internet use Google Maps every day. Google Maps is a very handy add-on from Google that is used to find information on a map with markers of organizations, etc.
The question is, is your company showing up in the results of this search? So if there isn’t, let’s see how to fix it.
A huge part of users uses search engines to get search results by geolocation. In addition to all this, users, unfortunately 🙂 tend to click on links in the FIRST rows of search results. Therefore, it is very important that the profile on Google My Business is optimized.
Google ranks organic and local results differently. Let’s look at the important points.
A website in local search results is ranked primarily based on relevance, distance, and authority. This is necessary in order to provide the user with the best results. This means that your company can also be shown to the user, even if another competitor’s company is located closer. If the services you offer would match what users are looking for.
Google renders the website in local search results based on:
It should be remembered that these factors work in combination – make sure that all three factors are systematized.
Fig. 1 — Search results on query "seo agency Kharkiv", taking into account the location
Your website’s positioning in search results in Google Maps is highly dependent on the accuracy of the information in Google My Business.
The search engine wants to provide its users with as much information about the company as possible. To this end, the more data you provide to Google, the more likely you are to be among the top search results.
Fig. 2 — Information about ITForce in Google My Business
Here are a few basic points to complete in your Google My Business account to optimize your positioning on Google Maps.
Integrating your website URL into Google My Business allows it to be linked to your website. Furthermore, it will enable users to easily access the website, learn about products and services. And become a potential client of the company.
Google puts a limit on the number of characters. Briefly describe your company and what you offer to the users, including local SEO keywords.
Contact information is used to identify the key elements that Google considers to position a website in local search results. Google will read the geolocation and highlight your website in the Google Maps results with this information.
Fill in the opening hours, so users can find out if the business is open, closed, or in the process of opening or closing. This time will tell users if they can visit your store or, for example, contact you by phone.
Fig. 3 —ITForce opening hours
This information is used to describe the company and deliver the website to users who are interested in the products or services you provide.
Adding a photo will help you stand out from other companies. Choose good quality images that perfectly describe what you have to offer and show you what life is like in your business.
Fig. 4 — Added photos of ITForce company to Google My Business
Reviews about a company make a business more reliable in the eyes of users. As a result, they have a positive effect on SEO promotion on Google. This contributes to the positioning of the company and its high rating. Keep in mind that you have no control over what is said and written about your brand, so reviews can be either positive or negative.
Fig. 5 — Reviews about the company in Google My Business
It is also possible to add an introductory list of your products for better interaction with potential customers.
Fig. 6 — Added ITForce services to Google My Business
Great opportunity to use Posts to improve communication with potential customers looking for local products or services.
You can post news, announce events, special offers, promotions, discounts, information about new or popular products, and various events. This way you will engage your future customers directly in the action. For example, registering, making an online purchase, or filling out a feedback form, etc.
Fig. 7 — Example of ITForce publications in Google My Business
If you already have Google My Business, make sure you provide all the information you need to increase your ranking in Google search results.
Another additional way to improve your Google Maps rankings is to provide your location on your website. Basically, such a card is added on the contact page or footer of the website.
Fig. 8 — Placement of Google Maps on the website
You need to search for your business name on Google Maps to combine Google Maps and your website. Then select "Share" and click on the "Embed maps" tab … … copy and paste the link into the code of your website. Everything is intuitive and simple.
Fig. 9 —Google Map and Website linking
Here are some simple tips to improve your positioning on Google Maps.
Wish you luck in local optimization!
