If you’re a small business owner, especially if you’re running a local shop or service, you’ve likely wondered how to get your business to rank higher on Google Maps. More people use Google to find things like nearby restaurants and plumbers. Because of this, getting your business on Google Maps is essential, not just an option.
The good news? You don’t have to be a tech genius to improve your ranking on Google Maps. I will guide you through easy steps you can take today. If you need expert help, I will share a trusted service that can do it all for you.
Let’s dive in!
How to Improve My Ranking on Google Maps?
Getting your business to rank higher on Google Maps, known as Google Maps SEO, isn’t magic. It requires some understanding of how Google operates. Google uses many factors to decide which businesses appear first in its search results. Google Maps works the same way.
Here are the top ways you can improve your business’s ranking:
Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
One of the quickest and most effective ways to boost your Google Maps ranking is by optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business (GMB). You have probably noticed this when you search for a business on Google Maps. The listings show the business name, address, hours, and reviews.
Fill out your profile thoroughly. This includes:
- Adding your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP)
- Choosing the right category for your business
- Adding high-quality images of your business
- Responding to customer reviews (especially positive ones)
- Regularly posting updates (like special offers or events)
When your profile is complete and up-to-date, Google considers it more relevant, which can push your business higher in search results.
Ensure NAP Consistency
This sounds fancy, but it’s simple. NAP refers to your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number, and it needs to be consistent everywhere online. That means the same exact details should be used on your website, your Google Business Profile, local business directories, and anywhere else your business information appears online.
Inconsistent information confuses Google, and confused search engines don’t give high rankings.
Build Local Citations
A local citation is when your business’s name, address, and phone number appear on other websites. This includes directories and social media platforms. Building local citations helps your business get noticed in your local area. This can improve your ranking in the Google Map Pack.
Local citations can be built on general directories like Yelp, or niche ones related to your industry. For example, a restaurant could benefit from citations on food-related sites, while a plumber might benefit from being listed in home service directories.
If you don’t want to spend time manually submitting your details to hundreds of directories, there are services (like Digital Foresta) that offer local citation packages.
Schema Markup for ‘Near Me’ Searches
Ever noticed how people often search for things like “coffee shop near me” or “plumber near me”? If you want to show up in those results, Schema markup is your friend.
Schema is a type of structured data that you add to your website to help search engines better understand what your business is about. It tells Google where you’re located and what services you offer, making it easier for your business to appear in local searches.
You don’t need to be a coding expert to use Schema markup. There are tools available to help you. You can also hire a digital marketing agency, like Digital Foresta, to do it for you.
How Do Local Businesses Easily Rank on Google Maps?
Certain businesses naturally benefit from focusing on Google Maps SEO, particularly those that rely on local customers. Here are some types of businesses that often see the most success:
- Restaurants and Cafes: People are always looking for places to eat nearby.
- Health and Wellness Providers: Think gyms, spas, physiotherapists, and yoga studios.
- Tradespeople: Electricians, plumbers, and other home service providers benefit greatly from local searches.
- Retail Stores: Local shops, like those selling clothes, gifts, or groceries, depend on foot traffic. They need to be easy to find.
- Professional Services: Dentists, accountants, lawyers, and other local professionals gain from ranking high in local search results.
If your business falls into one of these categories (or something similar), focusing on your local SEO Google Maps strategy will make a world of difference.
Link Your Google Business Profile to Your Website
It’s a small but important step—make sure your GBP is linked to your website. This helps Google confirm that your business is legitimate and provides searchers with more information about your services. Google likes it when everything is connected, so having a link between your GBP and website can boost your ranking.
Local Keyword Optimization
This simply means including the types of phrases people in your area might use to search for your business. If you’re a plumber in Manchester, for example, you’ll want to use keywords like “plumbing services Manchester” or “Manchester plumber” in your GBP description, on your website, and in your content.
Don’t go overboard, though! Google is smart enough to recognize keyword stuffing, which can hurt your ranking rather than help it.
Encourage Customer Reviews
Reviews play a big part in where you rank on Google Maps. Businesses with more positive reviews tend to rank higher, so encourage your happy customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile.
The key is to ask politely and make it easy for them to leave a review by providing a direct link. Plus, responding to reviews—especially negative ones—shows Google (and potential customers) that you care about your clients.
Other Factors to Consider for Google Maps SEO
There are other things to consider when trying to boost your Google Map Pack SEO:
- Proximity to the Searcher: Google usually shows businesses that are closer to the person searching. However, you can still improve your ranking above other local businesses in your area.
- Website SEO: A well-optimized website, particularly one that’s mobile-friendly and fast, can also help your Google Maps ranking. Make sure your website is optimized for local keywords and includes your NAP information.
Why Choose Digital Foresta for Your Local SEO?
If you want to rank higher on Google Maps but don’t have the time to handle all the details, Digital Foresta can help. As a trusted digital marketing agency based out of London, we specialize in helping small businesses all across the UK rank in Google Maps and local searches. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Blackpool, or Swansea, we’ve got you covered.
We offer monthly local SEO services that take care of everything from optimizing your Google Business Profile to building local citations and enhancing your website’s SEO. We’re also the UK’s first online retail store offering ready-made SEO products that are perfect for small businesses. You can browse our store and purchase the services that suit your needs directly.
Ready to Boost Your Google Maps Ranking?
Ranking higher on Google Maps can make a huge difference to your business, attracting more local customers and driving more traffic. Whether you decide to tackle it yourself or let the experts at Digital Foresta handle it for you, the key is to take action now. Every day you’re not optimizing your presence on Google Maps is a day you’re missing out on potential customers.
Head over to the Digital Foresta website now to check out our affordable, ready-made SEO products and services. We’re here to help small businesses across the UK succeed—whether you’re in a major city or a small town.
