As a recommendation engine, Google Maps can provide users information on products and services that they are looking for. Google extracts reviews from users who have visited places and businesses that are within a specific area. Think about this concept for a minute, and gain understanding about the importance of having positive reviews and ratings for your website. Having positive reviews for your website can bring in more local business.
Location, Location, Location
Many consumers are searching for great businesses that happen to be within their local proximity. In many instances, users will search for the product or service they want with the city name attached in the search. However, if there are not enough search results for a particular listing in the location they want, Google will provide listings for downtown areas close to the location that has been searched for. This can happen when users are searching for services in smaller towns and areas.
Maps and User Content
Google will show the user generated content associated with the business the user is looking for. This is typical for those users who use Google “My Maps” tool to find a location, and to gain directions from wherever they are to their destination, which could be your business. This is important for local business in all areas. Even though many users shop online, they still want to find local businesses that they can visit in person.
Providing user content does not always mean you need to have an excess amount of content. Having a geotagged photo of your business can also help show Google where your business is located. Keep in mind that adding keywords in the business name helps with ranking, but adding keywords to the listing title that are not already a part of the business name can get your listing banned. Therefore, be careful when tinkering with your content to boost your rankings.
Landing Page
What is the best page for your users to land on? Think about this question for a minute before you answer yourself. You need an appealing landing page that will keep users searching for the information and services they need on your website. Keep your information short and to the point with few distractions as possible. If you have a business that has multiple listings, make sure that the right information page is linked to Google Maps. This will help with your rankings, and bring users directly to your location.
A key factor for having great rankings is having a website that is optimized for your key products and services attached with city and area locations. Adding cities and towns associated with your key phrases can help users find you directly and often more easily.
Your Google Maps description should have:
- A well developed 200 character description
- Keywords or phrases with location
- Picture and/or video that is geotagged
Above all, keep in mind the industry that you are in and provide users with the information that they need to find you. Keep your information to the point and provide appealing key phrases and words that are accompanied by your city and area. Make sure that it is as easy as possible to find your business. Google Maps can only take you so far; the rest is up to you.














