How to Get Your Business on Google Maps: 5 Strategies

April 2nd

2024

Landing a listing in the Google Map Pack showcases your business as one of the top three ranking companies in the area for a given search. When you’re part of this coveted “3-Pack,” you have a better chance of attracting local customers and reaching new audiences in nearby towns. Optimizing for the Map Pack is a key element of local SEO. Forty-six percent of people who search Google are looking for something local, and 78% buy online or in-store after conducting a local search. Here’s how to get your business on Google Maps and take advantage of some of that traffic from customers in and around the Capital Region.

Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Formerly called Google My Business, the Google Business Profile plays an important role in Map Pack rankings. It’s how Google knows your business exists, where you’re located, and what products or services you offer.

To claim your profile, type your business name into Google Maps or the Maps app. If an unclaimed listing pops up, click “Claim my business.” If not, enter your business address and choose “Add Your Business.” Then follow these steps to optimize your profile for the Map Pack:

Verify your location. Verification tells Google—and customers—your business is legitimate.
Complete all profile details. A detailed listing helps Google match your business to relevant local searches. Include primary and secondary categories for more accurate matches.
Use local keywords in your business description. Your business will be more likely to pop up when customers search for these terms.
Choose inviting photos. Pictures of your business don’t help rankings, but they can encourage customers to check out your location.
Keep business information updated. Edit your profile whenever your hours, location, or business details change to ensure Google displays the most accurate listing.

Be Consistent With Your NAPS

NAP stands for “name, address, and phone number”—in other words, the contact information for your business. To improve Map Pack rankings, your NAP details and formatting must be consistent across your website, local business directories, and Google Business Profile.

Check your website and other local listings to ensure your NAP is uniform. If you’re not sure where your business is listed, some SEO platforms offer tools that detect listings and alert you to inconsistencies that could impact where your business appears in the Map Pack.

Encourage (and Respond To) Local Business Reviews

Businesses with higher star rankings and more reviews have a better chance of landing in the 3-Pack. Asking for reviews is the best way to get more, so don’t hesitate to:

Include a “Thanks for your business!” card with customers’ purchases or orders that includes a QR code linked to your Google listing.
Send a follow-up email inviting customers to review their experience after they make a purchase or receive a service.
Post a “We’d love your feedback!” request on social media with a link to leave a review.
Add a review page to your website that showcases top reviews and gives customers the option to add their feedback.

Make time to answer every review you receive, positive or negative. Replying to reviews tells Google your business is active, and dealing constructively with negative reviews may prompt customers to update their ratings—which can boost your position in the Map Pack.

Create Google Business Profile Posts

Like social media, your Google Business Profile has a place to post updates, offers, and events. Post content can include:

Photos of your team participating in or attending local events.
Links to event announcements or company updates on your website.
Offers tailored to first-time customers who discover your business on Google.

How often you post doesn’t affect rankings as much as other ways to get your business on Google Maps. But, Google does give preference to businesses that display an active presence.

Optimize Your Website For Local SEO

When considering where you should appear in the Map Pack, Google pays attention to factors beyond your business profile. One factor, dubbed “Prominence,” is the sum of your reputation, online presence, star rating, SEO efforts, and other signals that indicate awareness among local customers.

Focusing on local SEO for your website can attract more attention and increase your Prominence. To improve local SEO:

Include local keywords in page titles, headers, and meta descriptions.
Add separate optimized pages for each of your locations.
Use a mobile-friendly responsive design.
Write content that addresses the questions, challenges, and concerns unique to a local audience.
Build backlinks with relevant local websites, including business directories and links from local news media.

Getting your business into the Map Pack takes time, but your efforts can pay off with more local traffic, more purchases, and a growing reputation within the community.

Need help with your local SEO efforts? Contact us to learn how we can move your business closer to Map Pack success.