Google Maps Marketing
If you’re a local business owner, Google Maps can be your best friend. Having a business show up in local searches can be handy, but with Google Maps over a billion users every month; it’s a necessity. For this, you will have to take Google Maps marketing. In this simple-to-understand guide, we will show you what Google Maps marketing is, why it is important, and how to start using it to direct traffic to your business, boost visibility, and get more customers.
What Is Google Maps Marketing?
Google Maps marketing is the process of optimizing your business listing on Google Maps to increase its visibility on local search results. If you search for a coffee shop near me or a plumber in Toronto, the businesses that appear in the Local Pack (the top 3 local businesses) are those that are well-optimized for Google Maps.
A Google Maps marketing strategy is important for local businesses.
Here’s why local businesses should care about Google Maps. Being in Local Pack puts your business at a great spot in Google Search (high visibility). People who try to find businesses on Google Maps have a high likelihood of making a purchase. 70% of smartphone users rely on Maps to discover local businesses. Listings that are verified and have good ratings instil confidence in potential customers.
- Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile: The first step is creating or claiming your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
- Visit google.com/business and sign in with your Google account.
- Search for your business or add it to the map and complete the information request verification (mostly via postcard, phone or email)
- Optimize Your Business Information: Google wants to provide users with accurate, detailed, and consistent information.
- Use your real business name (no keyword stuffing)
- Add a local phone number and address
- Choose the most relevant business categories
- Set accurate business hours
- Add your website URL
- Add High-Quality Photos: Listings with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.
- Add exterior and interior shots, Product or service photos
- Team and staff images
- Logo and branding visuals
- Collect and Respond to Reviews: Online reviews are a major ranking and trust factor for Google Maps.
- Ask happy customers to leave a review
- Respond to all reviews – good and bad
- Don’t use fake reviews or incentivized reviews (Google might penalize you).
- Use Local Keywords in Your Profile: Insert area-specific keywords in your business description and posts. Like, a “Montreal hair salon”, a “plumber in Vancouver” or the “best Thai food in Calgary”. Google finds your local relevance with these keywords and shows your business to nearby users.
- Enable Messaging and Q&A: Google lets businesses communicate through Maps:
Google Messaging: Chat with potential customers in real time. Q&A Section: Respond to frequently asked questions and showcase relevant information.
- Create Google Posts Regularly: Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, events, and news. These display on your business profile, keeping it up-to-date.
- Build Local Citations and Backlinks Citations (your business name, address, and phone number) on directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Bing. Try to get local backlinks as well from relevant blogs, news sites, and local partners.
Conclusion
Google offers information on how customers located you (Maps vs. Search) what keywords they used which area they are located in what actions they took (call, website visit, request directions). Utilize this information to enhance your strategy and improve performance.
Google Maps marketing is a very useful tool for businesses but many businesses fail to use this tool successfully. By following the above steps to optimize your Google Business Profile, you can improve your visibility, capture more foot traffic, and outdo competitors in the local area. Whether you own a bakery in Montreal, a dental office in Toronto, or a fitness centre in Vancouver, being discovered on Google Maps can have a significant impact on your success. Start today to put your business on the map literally.
Need help getting started or improving your local visibility? Partnering with a professional SEO services company can take the guesswork out of optimization and ensure your business stands out where it matters most—on the map.
