How to Improve Google My Business Ranking?

Racking up a spot on Google Maps can be monumental for local businesses. For many, using search engines to find nearby information is the norm as 97% of people learn about companies online rather than anywhere else. When someone searches an Italian restaurant in their vicinity from their mobile device and receive immediate results courtesy of Google Map that include restaurants within a close radius based on certain specifications like cuisine served or price range available- often this would give them what type they’re looking for according to taste preferences!

Ranking well on maps has become important over time with so much reliance being put into searching through websites by means of smartphones these days; sometimes all it takes is one quick search before you know where your next meal will come from if not someplace near where you live. One might hear a lot of different rumors on how well their ranking on Google Maps is and whether or not this will translate to more customers for the restaurant in question- hopefully, we can clarify some of that confusion today!

One aspect for businesses that are mainly concerned with attracting customers over a certain threshold may seem like something we don’t need to worry about for now, but rank well on Google Maps and your business will be exposed to more customers than one might expect. 

How do I improve my google maps ranking? The answer is simple: Local SEO

Businesses can get a head start on their competition by creating a Google My Business page, which is usually enough to bring traffic and customers to your restaurant giving you an edge over others nearby for anyone searching ‘Italian Restaurant’. It’s easy!

Read this article by Google: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7091?hl=en

All you need to do is create a Google My Business profile and connect it with your social accounts like Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Connecting these pages will only prove beneficial in the long run as it can provide more information for users who might be interested in what you have to offer.

As soon as this is done, Google will automatically associate your business with a map- make sure to bookmark this page! It is also advised that you take the time to read through Google’s new ‘My Business User Guide’ document available on their website which should help clarify any unanswered questions you have.

Also Read: Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an SEO Company

Things you can do to rank higher:

1. Claim and verify your Google My Business (GMB) page
2. Add rich, accurate content to your GMB page and make sure you have a map (The more points of interest on your map will mean that Google believes you are a legitimate establishment.)
3. Once verified, go ahead and add business hours. Offering this information will show how legitimate your business is to Google search users who may be deciding between visiting you or a competitor.
4. Understand your audience and how they may search for you on map and make sure to optimize your profile accordingly. If possible, add pictures of the establishment itself- ones that show off key attraction points like ambience, food/drink items and facility areas such as bathrooms or parking lots. 
5. Try hitting the 3 star mark to boost your local business ranking by providing accurate content. Prices on Google Maps can influence the amount of traffic you receive so make sure they’re accurate and easily viewable!
6. The more information, pictures, hours of operation and reviews that you have attached to your business listing will help spread the word about what you are doing which may lead to traffic and customers visiting you in the future.
7. There are also a few things you can do to help raise your Google Maps ranking by simply enhancing or redesigning your business listing. Make sure that there is at least one picture on your GMB profile (including pictures of trade/brand logos, hours of operation and contact information will also help you achieve 3 star ranking)
8. It is suggested that pictures are used for each address location of your business. Try using an easy to read font as well (Google recommends “Open Sans” but you can use whichever one you like!)
9. Make sure that your location name and other information is displayed in the top section on the page, and other pertinent information like hours of operation, available products and contact info is listed in the bottom section.

If you’re not the DIY type of person, we at DroidOwl can help you with your local business listing, or any other local marketing issue you might have. All it takes is a message!