Top 10 Local SEO Strategies to Rank #1 on Google Maps

There is no doubt that Google Maps has become the most trustworthy source for people who want to find products and services that are closer to their current location. So if you want your business to show up in local searches then no matter whether you run a bakery, provide any service like that of plumbing, auto repair or any of that sort, you need to take Local SEO seriously. As great Local SEO approach can help you rank #1 on Google Maps. It will bring in more foot traffic, offer higher conversion rate and therefore huge revenue generation. So in this article, we’ll explore the top 10 local SEO strategies that you can implement to climb to the top of Google Maps rankings.

1 ) Curate As Well As Optimize Your GBP (Google Business Profile)

First step towards the higher rankings in Google Maps relates to curating and then claiming your Google Business Profile. To optimize the same, consider these simple points.

• First claim your listing and verify it. 
• Next, do not leave any section of your profile empty. Give in accurate information about your business name, where you operate exactly, your opening hours as well as contacting details.
• Do not forget to write a noteworthy description of your business. In this try accommodating relevant local keywords. 
• Remember to put up good quality pictures of your products, business, staff as well as of your premises.

The importance of all these above written points is that Google applauds completeness. So the more information you provide, the better are chances of your higher rankings.

2 ) Accurate And Consistent NAP Across All Directories Is Non-negotiable.

First understand what NAP is. It basically includes three terms that are name, address and last one is phone number. So to avoid any confusion, it’s important to keep these particular details of your business consistent on all platforms. If you mention a different business name or number then it definitely creates a suspicion in the consumer’s mind. So they do not consider it as authentic and thus leave it then and there. So to build credibility ensure consistency and accuracy.

3 ) Encourage Google Reviews 

Online reviews not only influence customers’ decision to choose your business but it is also a major ranking factor for local search and Google Maps. Therefore, ask your clients to leave feedback. You can ask them either in-person or send them a follow up email. As you receive the review, make sure you revert back to each one of them with complete professionalism. Do not skip negative reviews, as it shows lack of customer care. 

4 ) Make Use Of Local Keywords In Your Website Content 

Google looks at your website for understanding exactly what your business is about as well as where it is located. Due to this, inclusion of local keywords in your content becomes crucial. So while curating the content, first add local keywords in the meta description then in Title tag as well as headings. Thereafter, make them flow naturally throughout your entire content. 

5 ) Build Local Citations As Well As Backlinks 

First understand the difference between local citation and backlinks. Local citation provides your business name as well as address on other websites. Whereas backlink provides the link that leads to your website. To get these mentions, you can submit your business to relevant local directories. Try collaborating up with local bloggers and news outlets. Thereafter you can sponsor local events and conduct charities. Moreover you can curate guest posts on local websites with authority.

The aim behind this is to increase your business’s digital footprint in your geographical area. 

6 ) Put Up A Google Map On Home Page 

The simple thing that has a big impact is this strategy number 6. Just embed a Google Map of your business location on your website’s Home page. This amps up the user experience. Also reassures  the search engines about location. And most important it encourages direct interaction with the potential consumer. Your Google Map location should match with your GBP profile. 

7 ) Create Location Specific Landing Pages

Do you serve multiple areas, neighborhoods or regions? If yes, then it’s important to create different pages for each location. This way you’ll be able to provide accurate address details and use relevant local keywords that match to the specific region. The key here is to not use the same exact content for each page. Rather be creative and create unique content with relevant keywords. This proves beneficial for service providers.

8 ) Utilize Schema Markup 

Schema markup is basically a code that helps the search engine to understand your business more appropriately. Schema types that you can consider: Local Business Schema, Opening Hours Schema, Review Schema, Product and service schema. All this can make your site show up better in search results. Thus directly affecting your Google Map rankings. 

9 ) Focus On Mobile Optimization 

No doubt phones are the most used device when it comes to instant search for product or service. So if your website is not optimized for mobile use, then you end up on the losing side. So to optimize the same use a responsive design. Ensure super quick loading speed. For this reduce the size of images and use caching techniques. Provide a quick call to action buttons. Additionally, ensure the proper visibility of the written text. 

10 ) Regularly Post Updates On Your GBP

On your Google Business Profile you get to inform about  events, offers, blog posts, and announcements. So leverage on the same. As this shows you are active and engaged, which can boost visibility. You can post about discounts, exact price tags, closing hours, milestones, satisfied customers and much more. Try to keep your profile dynamic by posting at least once per week. It shows Google as well as your audience that your business is super active and well known to people. 

So with these ten strategies you can easily achieve number one position on google maps.