10 steps to effectively boost your Local SEO to the top

Google Maps plays an important role in the marketing strategy of businesses, especially those focusing on nearby markets. It not only helps attract new customers and increase revenue, but also helps businesses stand out from competitors. Notably, this service is free of charge. 
However, to maximize these benefits, your Google Maps page needs to rank high in search results, also known as reaching the "TOP". One key ranking factor for Google Maps pages is proximity, but it's just one of many aspects considered.
In this article, I will guide you on how to increase your Google Maps ranking, helping you access more customers through 10 effective tactics. They include creating and verifying your Google Maps page, optimizing the page to boost rankings and conversion rate, as well as steps you can take on your website to improve rankings.  

Why Should You SEO Google Maps to The Top?

Research shows 67% of consumers prefer to use Google Maps to find locations and directions. With most consumers only viewing the first pages when searching, ranking at the TOP on Google Maps opens great opportunities to access a large number of potential customers. Additionally, users often search for products or services through related keywords rather than directly searching for business names. Therefore, appearing at the TOP for common keywords will help you access more potential customers.
Another reason why SEOing your Google Maps page to the TOP is important is that it not only helps increase the quality and authority of your Google Maps page, but also opens up many opportunities to interact with users. This is especially meaningful knowing 86% of consumers use Google Maps to find information about businesses or places. This not only helps enhance interaction between businesses and customers, but also helps build trust and long-term relationships.

How to Improve Google Maps Ranking?

Create and Verify Your Google Maps Page

Firstly, to improve your Google Maps SEO, you need to set up and verify your business' Google Maps page. This process has been described on many websites and you can search for more details on Google. In Vietnam, the verification process may depend on luck and business type. It can be quickly verified via phone, email, or video. In cases where postal mail verification is needed, receiving the verification code can be difficult. One option is to use a map verification service for a fee ranging from 500k to 1 million VND.  

Add Information to Your Business' Google Maps Page  

After your page is created and verified, log in to Google My Business to add information to optimize your Google Maps page. Providing complete information will improve your search ranking. You should fill in details like name, category, address, business hours, phone number, website, products, services, attributes and description. 

Be Consistent With Name, Address and Phone Number

Consistency of information like business name, address, and phone number across different platforms like your website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, etc. is important to build trust with Google Maps, thus improving your ranking.  

Always Update Your Business Hours   

Keeping your business hours updated on your Google Maps page lets users know if your business is open and operating. This also contributes to the reliability of your page, thereby increasing your ranking on Google Maps.

Write a Business Description  

Your business description on the Google Maps page should provide detailed information about your services and products, while also including SEO keywords to increase the chance of appearing higher in search results.  

Properly Categorize Your Business   

Choosing the right business category is important to optimize your ranking on Google Maps. Select the most suitable primary category for your main product(s), and use secondary categories if necessary. A tip is to check the categories of top businesses in your industry on Google Maps for accurate selection.  

Add Images to Your Google Maps Page   

Google favors Google Maps pages with frequently updated images. This not only shows your page is active, but also helps improve rankings as Google increasingly incorporates image recognition technology into nearby search results. High-quality, eye-catching images also help make good impressions on consumers. To add photos, go to the "Photos" tab in Google My Business and upload images or videos. One tip is to add at least one new photo every day.

Increase the Number of Reviews  

Google Maps gives priority to businesses with many positive reviews. To attract reviews, proactively ask customers and acquaintances to leave reviews. Replying to reviews not only encourages users to leave more reviews, but also mitigates the effects of negative reviews. At the same time, good responses can improve business image and minimize harm from negative reviews.  
To maintain credibility and ranking on Google Maps, eliminate duplicate and redundant pages and information. Google does not support businesses having multiple phone numbers or map listings for the same address.  

Merge Your Google Maps Pages  

Frequently Post on Your Google Maps Page  

Posting frequently on your Google Maps page is similar to posting on Facebook. This shows you are proactively managing your page and increases your search result rankings. Posts help access users who are searching for specific products and services, increasing the likelihood of getting noticed by potential customers compared to competitors not utilizing this feature.  

How to Use Your Website to Further Improve Google Maps Ranking 

Ensure Your Website is Live and Functions Well on All Devices  

The first essential thing is your website needs to be compatible and display properly across all devices, from desktops to mobile. This is important because your Google Maps page links to your website, and a website not working well on mobile or loading slowly could adversely affect your Google Maps ranking.  

Add Local Keywords to Your Website

Another strategy is to integrate local keywords into your website. This not only helps your website rank higher in local search results, but may also boost your Google Maps page's ranking. You should include these keywords on key pages like the homepage, About Us, Contact, Products and Services, as well as in blog post content and titles. 

Embed Google Map Into Your Website  

Another useful approach is embedding your business' Google Maps into your website, commonly done on the Contact page. This helps confirm your business location with Google, aiding in Google Maps rankings.

Conclusion 

Google Maps marketing is increasingly popular and important, making it easy for consumers to find information and make purchasing decisions. Applying the above tips will help improve your business ranking on Google Maps, thereby increasing the likelihood of accessing and engaging with target customers, as well as improving sales.  

In summary

Those were excellent guides on the 10 steps to effectively boost your Local SEO to the TOP. You should save them so you can apply them accordingly. 
If you like this article, you will certainly be excited about our Local SEO service. SAMI is a team of Digital Marketing experts in Hanoi. We can provide you with outstanding strategies to help you achieve a breakthrough in traffic and sustainably increase revenue. Contact us now for prompt consultation and attentive 24/7 support.