What Is Google Maps Marketing?

Google Maps marketing is utilizing Google Map functions to allow your business to be found easily by those performing a search.

Big businesses are expected to be found immediately on Google Maps, but small businesses can leverage Google Maps to their benefit with strategic optimization for both search result positioning and visibility.

As a small to mid size business owner – your goal is to push for the highest placement possible within local business Google Map results, as well as on related search engine result pages.

Optimize Proximity

With mobile-based search increasing each day, the most common Google Map results are based upon the proximity of your business location and the GPS location of the mobile searcher.

Google Maps Results Ranked

Besides proximity based results, Google Maps also offers “ranked” results for certain types of businesses in relevant locations.

If a searcher doesn’t have GPS / location data enabled on a mobile devise being used for the search – Google most often kicks over to displaying the “ranked” maps for results.

Here's why optimizing your Google My Business information is important

While many businesses have claimed their Google My Business listing, many don’t fully optimize the information within their profile – and this most often results in an overall drop in Google Maps ranking.

Tips for Google Maps Optimization

Address:
Be sure to enter an address used by USPS (or postal service carrier where your business operates). Include your full nine-digit zip code, sub-division, suite, unit, and/or room number. Check for formatting errors and extra spaces. What may seem as insignificant, can alter your Google Maps ranking.

In the profile, check off the box asking whether you prefer your address information to be displayed or not. This box should be checked. This adds to the trust factor for both Google and potential customers.

Service Areas:
If your storefront / location provides service to other areas and zip codes, (delivery services, in-home services, etc) indicate in your profile which neighboring towns, cities and zip codes you provide service to.

Specify if you accept in-coming customers at your place of business. If you do not, people need to know that.

Verify Your Business Listing:
Usually Google mails a PIN number to the physical location listed in your business profile. Once received, be sure to complete the verification process (may take up to two weeks) once that PIN is received.

Indicate All Categories Applicable to Your Business:
Don’t just check-off a primary category, add additional categories covering areas related to your business. This will give your company a broader range of visual opportunity within Google.

Enhance Your Introduction:
Many businesses don’t take the time to optimize the introduction section. Use relevant keywords applicable to who you are, what you do, why you do it, how you do it better, and of course where you are. Insert links to landing pages on your website. Use bulleted lists where applicable.

Cultivate Customer Reviews:
Consistently follow up with those customers you know to be happy and satisfied with your products/services. Encourage them to enter an online review of their experience with your business, and make it easy for them to do so.

Want more information?
Click here to read this article with Specific Examples 

Additional Resources:

Google My Business:
https://www.google.com/business/

Edit Your Google My Business Information:
https://support.google.com/business/answer/3039617?hl=en

Google Local Search Ads Support:
https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/3246303?hl=en

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