In today's digital world, local businesses thrive by establishing a strong online presence. Google Maps' role is critical for local businesses for maximum visibility and lead generation.
Google Maps results are triggered when a searcher enters a phrase that includes both the keyword and location, like “Plumber St. Charles.”
Why Google Maps Matters
- Increased Visibility: Google Maps is the top platform for local searches. 60-70% of all clicks or phone calls go to the top 3 businesses on the Google Maps results. By claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business or GMB) listing, you can ensure your business appears in relevant local searches, significantly increasing the chances of potential customers finding you.
- Targeted Leads: People using Google Maps for local searches are actively looking for the products or services you offer. A well-optimized Google Profile with accurate details, captivating photos, and positive reviews acts as a digital storefront, attracting qualified leads directly to you.
- Building Trust: A Google listing allows you to showcase your business's legitimacy and professionalism. Positive reviews and ratings further solidify your credibility and make you stand out from competitors. It’s important to have dozens of reviews and an average rating of 4 stars or higher.
- Local SEO Boost: Google Maps plays a crucial role in local search engine optimization (SEO). A claimed and optimized profile listing positively impacts your local SEO ranking, making your business more discoverable in local search results across Google Search and Google Maps.
- Customer Engagement: Your listing offers valuable features for customer engagement. You can respond to reviews, messages, and questions and post on Google to interact directly with your audience.
Optimizing Your Google Business Listing
Here are key steps to optimize your listing for optimal results:
- Claim and Verify Your Listing
- Complete Business Information: Ensure all your details are accurate and up-to-date, including your business name, address, phone number, website (if applicable), and primary category (helps Google properly categorize your business in search results).
- Add Services and Service Areas or Location Attributes
- Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive reviews are gold for local businesses on Google. Prompt satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond to all reviews, both positive and negative.
- Regularly Update Your Listing: Keep your GMB listing fresh by regularly posting updates, including special offers, events, or new products or services, photos, and videos.
- Turn On Google Messages and Respond Quickly
Beyond Google Maps: A Holistic Approach
While Google Maps is essential, it's not the only piece of the puzzle. Here are additional components:
- Website: People trust information from business websites more than Google profiles. Ensure your website has accurate, up-to-date information and compelling content to convert leads.
- Respond Quickly: Respond to inquiries and messages promptly, especially in time-sensitive industries like water damage restoration. But faster response times for any business significantly improve your chances of capturing leads.
- Monitor and Improve: Use analytical tools to track your Google listing's performance and identify areas for improvement. Also, regularly monitor your ranking on Google Maps and compare it to competitors.
Implementing these strategies can help you leverage Google Maps' power to attract more local customers, build trust, and ultimately grow your business.
About the Author:
Ken Tucker is the owner and Marketing Solution Architect of Changescape Web, a full-service digital marketing agency in St. Louis. Ken is a StoryBrand Certified Guide, a Business Made Simple Coach, and a Master Duct Tape Marketing Consultant, and is a bestselling author on Amazon. Changescape Web is one of the Top 10 largest website development companies in St Louis. They are Reputation Management and SEO experts, as well as a Google Partner and a Yelp Advertising Partner.