Google Maps has evolved over the years from a simple virtual map to a place where you can explore local businesses, plan your trips, and discover new suggested locations in your area.
The platform is more than a map, it is a place of discovery. Over the years, many businesses have used Google Maps for visibility.
Have you ever Googled “Italian restaurants near me”? Or search online for the best barber shop in your area?
If you have, you probably notice that the businesses that show up at the top of a Google search result aren’t necessarily the best, but they are the ones with the strongest online presence.
So, if you need a wider reach for your business and want it to be the first business to be seen whenever a customer searches, then now is the time to leverage Google Maps as a tool for local SEO.
It helps users find anything and everything. They can search for nearby restaurants, locate a car repair shop, or find the best cocktails in town. Google Maps is the perfect platform to find anything.
More than 80% of users rely on the internet for local business searches. This means having your business appear in Google’s top search results is very important, and this can be achieved through local SEO.
So, what is Local Search Engine Optimisation?
Local SEO is all about optimising your website for the targeted location to gain a robust online presence in the area. The goal of this type of SEO is really to gain high rankings for local searches within a business niche.
These days, there is a huge number of local SEO agency around the country helping local businesses stay competitive and acquire leads.
The next question would be, beyond visibility, what else can Google Maps do for my business?
Let’s find out.
How Google Maps Helps Businesses Dominate Local SEO
Google Maps Allows People to Quickly Contact Your Business
When users view your business on Google Maps, the platform provides a comprehensive breakdown of your business, which includes your company’s phone number.
And since most people use their phones to do Google Maps searches, they can easily call your business with just one tap.
Since people use Google Maps to make decisions (e.g. where to find doughnuts or locate a nearby clothing store), the platform provides users with the ability to easily contact the business, ask questions, and then decide whether to visit or not.
It makes it easy for users to take the next step of visiting and for your business to directly connect with its potential customers.
So at this stage, the ball is in your court. The way you answer your customer's questions and connect with them will determine if they decide to visit or not.
Google Maps Encourages People to Visit Your Store or Website
In addition to providing a business phone number, Google Maps also highlights other contact or visiting information.
For example, users can easily find directions to your shop or restaurant from your business profile on the app. No need to toggle between apps or web pages.
When a user finds your shop, all they have to do is scroll and tap on the directions and they can arrive at the doorstep of your shop.
If your business sells services or products, users might require more information before they make a purchase or they might want to buy in bulk. Google Maps does this thing where they make lists of your products or services on your business page or profile to link directly to your website.
Users can easily learn more about your products or your company in a stress-free manner.
Google Maps Displays Your Business with Images
It is not news that people relate more to images than texts. In the same way, users nowadays are infatuated with images. When a user is exploring or evaluating your business, having an image of what you are offering might just be what helps them to make a decision.
Let’s take, for example, that you are trying to decide between two restaurants for brunch with friends. After looking at the reviews and menu, you would want to see photos of the food. The one with more and better images will get your attention more than the one without any.
Google Maps allows you to do the same for your business. You can upload up-to-date information and images that bring a visual representation of your business to your profile.
Apart from pictures of your product or service, you can also post the photos your customers post through reviews. This can help your potential customers choose your business above others.
Google Maps Offers Customer Credibility Through Review
The majority of users do not trust businesses that they have never heard of before. Nothing builds brand trust more than social confirmation from others, and the most successful way to do this is through online reviews.
Google Maps does this perfectly by displaying reviews from your previous customers on your profile listing page.
Google Maps’ business credibility includes:
- Ratings
- Written reviews
- Submitted images
Now, you know all the benefits that you stand to gain by putting your business on Google Maps.
How to Add Your Business to Google Maps
Just in case you want to start using Google Maps for your business, here’s how to add your business on Google Maps.
- To start creating your business listing, visit http://www.google.co.uk/business/. You will be asked to sign in with your Google account to begin the process. If you haven’t already got a Google account, you can create one now.
- Verify your local business on Google: Once you've claimed your Business Profile on Google, you'll be required to verify that you own the business. The verification process makes sure your information is accurate.
- Make your profile shine: Once you've verified your business, it's important to fill in every section of your profile and provide as much information as possible. The more complete your business listing is, the more effective it will be – giving you a better chance of attracting new customers to your store or website.
- Optimise your profile for Google Maps: Think about the elements of your profile – such as attributes and reviews – that will prove most important, help you stand out from the competition when users are searching on Google Maps, and might even encourage users to follow your business on Google Maps. The easier and faster it is for potential customers to understand what you have to offer, the more likely it is they will choose to visit you.
Now, go ahead and make your business shine with Google Maps!