Google Map Pack engagement statistics

Infographic displaying Google Map Pack statistics (Source)

Visibility is key for local businesses in today’s world.

Research shows that 98% of consumers looked for information about local businesses online in 2022. Companies that appeared on the search engine at that time had the upper hand in attracting more customers. With this kind of competition, business owners have no choice but to level up.

Among the most effective ways to achieve visibility is ensuring your business appears on Google Local Pack.

Wondering what that is? Worry no more. We’ve got you covered.

In a nutshell, Google Map Pack is a feature that appears on Google search results. It shows a map and a list of three local businesses curated according to the user’s query. Many companies usually covet these positions; however, only a few manage to secure them.

But why is that so?

In most cases, it is due to how competitive local SEO is and the lack of precise optimization of those businesses’ Google Profiles. Well, in this article, we guide you through optimizing your Google business profile so you can rank in the Google Map Pack.

But first, let’s understand what a Google Business Profile is.

Google Business Profile Explained

We can liken a Google Business Profile (GBP) to a digital business card on a search engine. It is a free, easy-to-use tool from Google that allows organizations and businesses to manage how they appear online. Optimizing your Google Maps business listing by writing a compelling business description, adding photos, and regularly posting updates can positively impact your ranking in local search results and increase visibility to potential customers.

Until 2021, people used to refer to it as Google My Business. Using this tool ensures your business has a public identity. Apart from managing your information, it helps you to build trust and credibility by allowing you to read and respond to reviews.

How Do You Create a Google Business Profile

Follow these steps to set up your profile.

  • Sign in to Google Business Profile – Go to google.com/business. Here, you must have a Google account, and if you don’t have one, you can search for google.com/accounts and follow the prompts. Also, ensure the account you create is not a personal account. Rather, you should use one that is purely dedicated to work.
  • Add your business name – Use title case to write your business name and spell it correctly.
  • Enter your business address- Google requires to see your address to ascertain that your business actually exists.
  • Choose your business type – Some businesses provide in-person services to their clients, others sell products directly to clients online, while others have a physical location. Select what is applicable.
  • Choose your primary business category –  This will help Google to understand what your business is all about. That way, Google will effectively show your business whenever users are searching for the products or services you offer.
  • Add your contact information – Here, a phone number, website, or both can serve the purpose.
  • Verify the business – It will help ensure your business details are accurate and that the business owner is the only one who has access. Managing your business listing by providing accurate information and adding relevant content can influence higher rankings in local search results.
  • Optimize your profile – A well-optimized profile will attract more browsers and convert them to buyers.

What Are the Best Optimization Strategies?

Most of the time, users don’t feel the need to go past the first few results. Again, Google does not automatically rank businesses just because they are listed in an area. Google Maps considers other factors besides proximity to decide which local business gets in the Map Pack. Achieving a higher Google Maps ranking involves optimizing your website, integrating local keywords, and maintaining an active and accurate Google Business Profile.

So here are the tips to follow:

Make Your Google Business Profile Stand Out

You must ensure your business listings are optimized and have strong visibility to thrive in this space.

Consider How Your Business Appears on Google

You can use Google Search or Google Maps mobile app to search for your business. It allows you to step into your customers’ shoes and see what your business looks like in their eyes. Being able to keep tabs on your profile helps you to see your areas of improvement and adjust accordingly.

Consolidating your Google Maps listings is crucial to avoid disqualification due to duplicate information and to enhance your business visibility.

To ensure your profile is complete, confirm it has the following:

  • Business name
  • Address
  • Category
  • Phone number
  • Business hours
  • Photos and videos
  • Website link
  • Description

Keep Updating Your Business Profile

Outdated information on your GBP can make you lose a lot of business. You must update even the slightest changes in your business. Eliminating duplicate listings is also crucial, as having multiple phone numbers or locations for a single business can lead to discrediting by Google. If a potential customer can’t find you on a call just because you haven’t updated your new phone number, chances are that they will buy from your competitors.

Add Appealing Images 

Screenshot of a restaurant displaying appealing images

Screenshot of a restaurant displaying appealing images

Using high-quality images boosts your online reputation. The human brain retains 65% of what a person sees. Take visually appealing images of your business and upload them to attract more browsers. 

Have a Local Phone Number

Avoid using a 1-800 number to encourage potential customers to trust you. With a local phone number, your community understands that when they call your business, they communicate with a human rather than a bot. 

Make Your Business Description Exceptional

Effective communication is key. Write detailed copy to gain trust from your audience. In addition, a well-crafted copy will make Google see you as an authority in your field. Again, avoid giving inaccurate information to maintain your reputation.  

Interact With Customers

So now that you have all the profile details right, you need to connect with your customers.

Always make efforts to treat your customers right so they can have a positive opinion of your business.

In most cases, customers read reviews when looking for local businesses. Interestingly, people are more likely to prefer a company that always responds to its reviews. Always respond to comments, whether they are positive or negative. Engaging with reviews can significantly enhance your local search capabilities. Negative reviews help you identify areas that need improvement. Also, encourage customers to give you more reviews so you can have more data to work with.

Apply the Best SEO Practices on Your Website

Use local keywords effectively. Strong keyword placement will keep you ahead of your competitors. It makes it easy for Google to identify what your business is all about. Long-tail keywords such as “best restaurants near Aurora” would work better than “restaurants.” They are more precise and less competitive. Optimizing your content can also help you rank higher on the Google Maps business listings.

Ensure your website has faster page speed. You want your potential customers to have a great experience rather than be disappointed if the website is painfully slow. Such experiences make users move to the websites that serve them better. As mentioned earlier, the use of high-quality images on your website can make Google consider you an authority.

Wrap Up

That said, remember to create regular posts for your target clients. It will help maintain your visibility as well as keep your potential clients informed. Try working around promoting upcoming events, sharing updates and announcements, promotions and offers, or posting high-quality images of new products or services. Regular posting on Google Maps sends signals to search engines about your business activity, which can positively influence your ranking.

So, are you ready to secure your first spot in Google Maps Pack?

Following the strategies outlined above will help you get your business to the top. Ranking in Google Map Pack ushers you into unmatched visibility. You get to experience engagement like never before. In the long run, your business begins to attract a huge increase in revenue.

You have Successfully Subscribed!