How to Sustainably and Effectively Rank High on Google Maps

An Overview of What Local SEO is ?

SEO for Google Maps, also known as Local SEO, is the process of improving a brand's position on Google Maps. This helps increase the chances of being discovered by internet users. 
Imagine you need to find a flower shop or one near where you are. You just need to search for "fresh flower shop nearby" on Google Maps. 
The results will appear based on where you are standing. As such, Google Maps becomes a useful tool for businesses to achieve high positions in such search results.

Benefits of SEO for Google Maps  

Google has become the leading search tool over the years, and Google Maps is no exception. A report from The Manifest points out that about 70% of smartphone users regularly use Google Maps, and 83% of Americans search online before visiting a store. Thus, there is no denying that Google Maps is a potential channel for marketing campaigns.
In the next section, SAMI will highlight some of the benefits of SEO for Google Maps. 
One notable benefit is Google Maps' nearby search feature, which makes it easy for customers to find satisfactory businesses. Additionally, about 1/3 of searches on mobile devices relate to location, so SEO on Google Maps also helps increase traffic to businesses.  
Search results from Google Maps not only provide location but also detailed information about the business, including contact information. Notably, most searches on Google Maps originate from mobile devices, so customers can contact businesses with just one tap. 
For businesses that sell or provide services, they can also integrate direct links to websites on Google Maps. Moreover, by effectively applying SEO on Google Maps, businesses will have higher positions in search results, thereby enhancing prestige. 
Finally, another notable benefit of SEO for Google Maps is providing a good customer experience, with complete results with necessary information such as address, email, website, images, and reviews.

What is Local 3-Pack? 

Also known as Top 3 Google Maps, Local 3-Pack is the top three ranking positions in Google search results based on keywords like 'near me', 'near [Location]', and similar keywords.
Businesses in the Local 3-Pack group will receive significant benefits in traffic and the ability to attract potential customers to their website. Google Maps also provides important additional information such as address, business type, business description, reviews, etc., helping customers make more informed decisions when wanting to visit a store or business.  
SAMI will share the most effective tips for SEO Google Maps to help your business maintain a prime position in Google Maps' Local 3-Pack.

How Google Evaluates Place Rankings  

Google determines rankings for places based on factors like relevance, distance to the searcher, and brand awareness. There are two cases when users search:
  • When users enter a keyword that includes the business name, Google Maps will display detailed information about the business in the right column.  
  • If the keyword does not include the business name, Google Maps will display the top three best results, including name, rating, and address of the business.
In evaluating rankings for the Local 3-Pack, Google gives priority to:
  • Businesses closest to the searcher.  
  • Businesses with the most positive and reliable reviews.
Explore the process of optimizing SEO for Google Maps to improve your business's position in Google's search results. Start by fully understanding Google Maps and how Google ranks pages.

Steps to Implement Google Maps  

1. Add Business to Google Maps  

Only do this if your business does not yet appear on Google Maps. 
  • Step 1: Go to Google.com/maps or the Google Maps app, search for your business name.  
  • Step 2: Check if your business has appeared in the drop-down menu with its location. 
  • Step 3: Select "Add a missing place" to add your business.
  • Step 4: Fill in necessary information such as name, type of business, and address.
First, we need a free Google My Business account. Then go to the business listing on Google Maps, select Claim this business or Own this business? then follow the on-screen instructions
  • Create a free Google My Business account. 
  • In the business list on Google Maps, select "Claim this business" or "Own this business?" and follow the instructions.  
To manage business information and improve rankings, verify business ownership.  

2. Verify Business on Google Maps  

Fill in complete information in the "Info" tab: name, type, address, area of operation, hours, phone number, website, products, services, attributes, and description.  
  • Consistent Name and Address
Ensure business name and address information is consistent across all platforms to build trust and authority on Google Maps. For example, if your company is "SAMI Digital Technology Company," use that full name on your Google My Business dashboard rather than abbreviations like "Sami Tech Co." or "SAMI Co."
  • Use Local Phone Numbers
Choose phone numbers with local area codes to improve rankings on Google Maps and inspire customer confidence.
  • Updated Business Hours
Regularly update accurate working hours to avoid customers arriving when your location is closed. 
For example: During COVID-19, our company switched to 24/7 operations, so we updated the hours of operation accordingly.
Craft a descriptive profile to stand out from competitors. You can match the writing style to your business type, tactfully incorporating keyword phrases describing the company and offerings to attract customers.
  • Write an Engaging Business Description
  • - Accurately Categorize Your Business
Select the most precise primary and secondary business categories in Google My Business. 
Use other categories for any supplementary products.
Optimize your listing to improve rankings on Google Maps. Access your Google My Business account and fill in the necessary information.

3. Add Information to Google My Business Listing  

4. Add Images to Google My Business Listing 

Google favors businesses that post clear illustrative images. Quality images help increase the chance of improving rankings in search results. Google's image recognition technology is constantly evolving, bringing a more intuitive experience to users. Without images, listings on Google Maps would be less attractive.
Add photos by going to Photos in Google My Business, then upload the photo or video. Posting a photo every day helps optimize SEO and shows that your business is always active.

5. Get Reviews from Customers  

Customer reviews are an important factor for Google to rank your business. Proactively ask customers to leave reviews and actively respond to feedback to demonstrate the business's attention to consumers.

6. Remove Unnecessary Information  

Google does not favor businesses with duplicate phone numbers or addresses. Ensure you remove any redundant information to avoid negatively impacting rankings on the search results page.

7. Post Regularly  

Regularly add posts to your business listing on Google Maps as you would on Facebook. This shows Google that you are actively managing your business online, and also helps improve the image of your business in the eyes of customers.  

How to Achieve High Rankings on Google Maps

SAMI provides the 6 most powerful Google Maps SEO tactics to optimize rankings on Google Maps.

1. Add and Verify Business on Google Maps

The first step in Google Maps SEO is registering business information on Google. Next, verifying business ownership is necessary to optimize rankings. Details on these two actions are in the Google Maps Implementation Steps section of this article.

2. Optimize Business Listing on Google Maps

Update detailed and accurate information in the business listing on Google Maps to increase SEO points. Tips on providing effective information have been presented in the previous section of this article.

3. Develop Quality Backlinks

Building backlinks from authoritative websites is an important strategy in Google Maps SEO. This needs to be an ongoing process, not just a few links. Focus on:
  • Consistently creating backlinks.
  • Producing attractive, high-quality content.
  • Adding relevant anchor text.
  • Appearing on authoritative platforms.
Đảm bảo website của bạn thân thiện với di động. Sử dụng schema markup giúp Google hiểu rõ hơn về nội dung website, bao gồm thông tin vị trí được chèn vào Schema để cải thiện hiệu suất trong tìm kiếm Google Maps.

4. Áp dụng Schema Markup

5. Optimize Website Homepage

Guarantee the website is optimized for mobile and add location-related keywords on the homepage to enhance SEO effectiveness for Google Maps. Including:
  • H1/title tags
  • Description tags
  • Main content
  • Homepage

6. Build Authoritative Citations

Citations contain NAP (Name - Address - Phone Number) information and the website URL. Google uses Citations to verify a business's location, similar to backlinks in SEO. High-quality Citations increase the chance of achieving high rankings on Google Maps. Therefore, SAMI advises you to write detailed Citations. 

Conclusion

The above are excellent guidelines on how to sustainably and effectively rank high on Google Maps. You should save them for later applications. 
If you liked this article, you will surely 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 break through traffic and increase revenue sustainably. Contact us now for immediate consultation with enthusiastic 24/7 support.