Most companies strive to be at the top of Google Maps, as that is where the majority of consumer attention gravitates. The map display is impossible to miss and visually dominates the top of search results when Google determines that the search performed contained local intents.
To be found on Google Maps, your business must have a Google My Business (GMB) profile, but it’s not enough to just claim it and verify ownership. You need to optimize it and keep being active to take full advantage of it.
1) Optimize the description for your specific location
Your description is allowed up to 750 characters, which is not much. It’s important to make full use of this space and optimize it for your location.
When someone searches for a business – let’s take “an interior designer near me” as an example – Google uses your business address in relation to the IP address of the person searching if they are on their home PC or their phone’s location service if on a mobile device.
This is the source of local business data that Google uses for its local search algorithm. In addition to applying and completing your profile, here are some tips to help you make the most of it.
2) Enable a separate GMB SMS contact.
This is a feature that many do not get. If you don’t activate SMS connectivity for your business, you can use lead requests. Today, users have used text messages as a useful communication as it is more convenient than a phone call.
Including this in the following GMB profile allows you to use and validate your mobile device for both field texts and responses. Messages are routed to and from your phone via Google, so your mobile number is never shown.
Ads that have this option enabled often get more attention, even if there are other listings above, simply because of the convenience factor. Many people would rather send a text than speak on the phone. You can find detailed instructions on how to enable this feature here.
3) Focus on Google reviews to improve CTR and rankings.
Online reviews greatly help your business in two ways. First, they make your business more attractive, as consumers are naturally attracted to companies with a lot of reviews. Secondly, Google’s local SEO algorithm takes reviews into account.
Get testimonials from past clients, and implement a system that encourages testimonials from all your clients in the future. Automated email sequences, a CTA at the bottom of final invoice emails, or shipping confirmation emails are a simple way to always have your “ask” out there.
via forbes.com
