Getting Local Consumer Traction By Ranking Higher On Google Maps in 2020: A Breakdown

Contents

Of Places, Listings, And Rankings

Submit and verify your business to Google My Business

Categorize your business correctly by using local SEO services

Use a local phone number in lieu of toll-free

Make sure your Google Maps listing description is SEO-friendly

Get reviews on Google and link these to Maps

Consumer search and purchase habits evolve consistently. What your target market is looking for and how they are looking for it, changes rapidly, which means you’ve got to change the way you market your content online.

One of the leading trends in online search is the use of mobile for local searches. Research shows that mobile internet data exceeds desktop internet data consumption, and that more than 50% of users choose use mobile devices to conduct a search online. Google search engine and Google Maps are two of the most relied-upon apps for mobile users.

Which brings us to the subject we’re concerned with: how to rank higher on Google Maps.

Of Places, Listings, And Rankings

For businesses, Google Maps is an incredible way of attracting local potential customers. We call this practice “listing”—identifying your business on the map and providing details, adding the entire load of information on Google Places.

Google Places is a local listing software, complete with forms and map extensions for businesses to add their information in a trackable way for consumers who use Google search and Maps.

More than 56% of mobile searchers today rely on these and similar apps to find local business addresses, hours of operation and directions. The more precisely and extensively you add information to Google Places, the better people are able to find you when they look for you or businesses like you.

However, listing your business on Google is not enough. To make the most of this feature, you need to know the ways to rank higher on it. Given that your competitors are using Google Places as well, you are competing for a higher position on Google Maps.

A ranking on the first page of Google search engine results is a coveted spot, the first page on Google Maps even more so.

First off, understand how to improve your local ranking on Google Maps…

Once, Google Maps considered industry categories and proximity of the business to rank it. Today, Google has evolved its algorithms to add other factors, factors that actually help small businesses get into the spotlight and improve ranking on Google Maps.

If you are looking to get to the first page of Maps, and get out of the shadow of your powerful competitors and attract consumers to your local business, take these steps for local business listing optimization:

Submit and verify your business to Google My Business

Starting out on Google My Business (GMB) is simple enough. You need to agree to the terms provided my GMB and start adding information in the fields given in the form.

  • In addition to the traditional NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number), you will also need to include all necessary information about your official website.
  • Add business hours. Google Maps tells user whether or not a business is open at the time of search, as lists the hours of operation. You even customize business hours and add the correct opening/closing time for specific days of the week.
  • Remember, none of the information you add should be duplicated. Also, Google has strict guidelines about content, and will lower your ranking if you add multiple details, such as two addresses, for one business.

Remember, the more details you provide Google, the better-ranked listing you get. Avoid missing out on completing any fields,in addition to the primary ones.

Once you submit the information to Google, you will have to verify it. The address you provide to Google is the address where you will receive your postcard containing the verification code. (If you have multiple addresses, you will have to specify on which address you need the code delivered).

Enter this code on GMB, and you’re good to go!

Categorize your business correctly by using local SEO services

If you’re operating on a niche basis, it may be a tad tricky for you understand which industry is relevant to your business. It’s important to know your industry, because you need to add the information to your Google Places profile.

A “keyword” research and analysis is sure-fire tactic to add your industry correctly, and thus attract your target market. Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services provide small business owners with popular keywords used by local target audience.

Use a local phone number in lieu of toll-free

A business contact number can be both local (landline and/or mobile) and toll-free. Google looks to a phone number as a significant local signal, especially when the number is listed on Google My Business.

However, not every kind of contact number works; Google is actually not good with 1-800 (toll-free) numbers, and you are likely to get a more positive ranking if you skip the toll-free and add a local number.

The reason being that toll-free numbers are often spammy, and a local telephone number (with the area code) is preferable on Google Maps listings.

Make sure your Google Maps listing description is SEO-friendly

You have a limited number character to describe your business on Google Maps—use the space wisely. Local searches today are more “natural” and very specific.

If you’re operating a plumbing service in Rockford, Illinois, you’ll get more traction if you have a description that includes something along the lines of “affordable plumbing services in Rockford” or “plumbing repair services near me” (Google will use the location of the searcher to provide them with Rockford business).

professional SEO service well help you find accurate, up-to-date keywords to add to your content on Google Maps listing and anywhere else.

Get reviews on Google and link these to Maps

Research shows that more than 90% of online users occasionally or regularly read reviews, 84% of whom trust the information in these as much as they trust the information provided by a friend. Maximize positive reviews on Google and link them to Maps for greater reach and engagement. In fact, if you’re willing to go the extra mile, leverage citation building services to get customers and industry experts talking about your business! Here’s more insight into how link building services can improve your local ranking on Google Maps.

The Importance of Link Building and Why It Continues to Dominate SEO In 2018 After Panda and Penguin Updates

Is link building still important? Short answer, Yes. Content, for good reason will always remain king but the importance of backlinks in SEO and that of link building in general cannot be denied or ignored. In fact content and links go hand in hand. Any content that gets published essentially comes a URL to which a link could point to.

The SEO landscape has evolved dramatically over the past two decades. From using optimized keywords to mobile-friendly websites, marketers rely on different techniques to improve search engine rankings of businesses. Another crucial ranking factor is backlinks.

‘Link building’ is a term often thrown around by SEO experts. Incorporating links to web content is an effective way to get traffic to your website traffic and increase the likelihood of conversion.

Link Building 101

Link building simply means to link other websites to your website. In other words, you add a hyperlink from another website to your own.

Link building is a crucial part of search engine optimization. If done right, it can increase your website’s visibility in search results.

Importance Of Link Building

A successful link building strategy can work well for any business. Here is why link building should be part of your SEO campaign:

  • Improves Google ranking: Although the battle to the top of the search ranking table is based on many factors such as using quality content, meta description and more, links affect how Google ranks web pages. To put it simply, if you want your website to earn meaningful, organic ranking in search engine, you need quality. Once people start clicking the links, your web traffic will increase.
  • Boosts brand awareness:For new or small businesses striving to spread the word about their products and services, link building can help them achieve this goal. Incorporating links from established brands adds values to your website, thereby improving its visibility in the search engines.

Increased visibility results in greater business recognition in the long term. If properly planned and executed, a link building campaign can take your web traffic and returns to the next level.

  • Builds brand trust and authority: In addition to enhancing brand visibility, high quality links help establish a brand’s credibility and authority.

When people see links from credible, popular resources (relevant to your business) on your website, they are likely to take your brand more seriously. As more and more online users become interested in your website, you will see a massive improvement in your web traffic and conversion rates.

  • Keep an eye on competition: As links are available online, you can check out what links your competitors are using on their websites. You can even target the same links. Effective link building can put you ahead of your competitors.
  • Lasts forever: Links are a worthwhile investment because they last forever. As long as a link is active, customers can access it. Unlike ads with limited or temporary visibility, links offer a permanent solution for improving your website’s visibility, traffic and your conversion rates.

Link Building: The Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

If you’re adding links to your website, it’s important to separate the good from the bad. Google may penalize you for low quality links. What makes a good quality backlink?

Generally speaking, a quality link comes from a source that is:

  • Trustworthy: Has the website been penalized? Is it a reliable source? A penalized site can adversely affect your SEO. Perform an audit of the website before using it for link building.
  • Prominent: Do people use the site a lot? It is a household name in your industry? Does the website cite its sources? The more respected your source website is, the better. Check out the website traffic to assess its authority.
  • Relevant: Is the website content relevant to your business and industry? If it’s not, to your industry or your target audience, Google could penalize your site.
  • Content Quality: Does the website offer fresh, original, insightful, engaging, thorough, well-researched and visually appealing content? The basic rules of content apply to backlinks. After all, links should add value to your website.
  • Diversified Sources: Instead of acquiring links from just one website, it’s better to use various links from a variety of domains to increase your rankings.

Apart from the strategies mentioned above, combining internal links and external links can help you achieve amazing search results. If you would like to know more about this, get in touch with us.

At Search Berg, you can count on our link building solutions to achieve optimal results! Our customized link building and SEO solutions are developed to meet your website needs and improve its search ranking. Above all, our SEO solutions come with a 100% money-back guarantee and require no contractual obligations whatsoever.

We offer comprehensive link building services to clients from diverse industries, such as education, health, real estate, finance, technology, travel and more. Last year, we completed our 10,000th SEO project, making us as one of the most dependable SEO companies in the country.

Call now at 855-444-4777 to learn more about our services.

5 Proven Ways To Boost Your Small Business in Google In Order To Gain High Rankings and Bring New Customers To Your Website

Ever since the evolution of the internet, the digital world has essentially become a battle ground for businesses everywhere, especially for entrepreneurs. However, it’s nothing you can’t learn to navigate through.

We’ve seen small startups flourish in a matter of months. How is that? The first contributing factor is the idea. Say, you’ve got it. The next and most important factor is marketing and promotion. We won’t tell you to splurge on print media and TV campaigns, not when there are inexpensive yet impactful—online marketing strategies available which will be the focus of our post today.

Here are our top picks.

1.     Website Design & Development

Before you create content, you need an online space where you can accumulate that content. This is where website development comes in. Attention to design is necessary. If we’re working by Hub Spot’s research, then we know that more than half your visitors take 15 seconds or less to judge your website. In those 15 seconds, these are the things that will stand out the most:

  • A responsive design
  • Clear, catchy headings
  • An appropriate balance of text and media content
  • Obvious, call-to-action links

If your website passes these—congratulations. You’re quite likely to keep your visitor engaged past the 15-second mark. Search Berg’s website development services comply with up-to-date consumer needs and preferences for fast and friendly browsing. With adequately distributed content and enough supportive images and video, you’re on your way to generating an impressive website engagement level.

2.     Content Marketing

You’ve heard it repeatedly: Content is King. The why of it can be answered by the fact that trendy content is an immensely helpful tool for business growth. Market leaders who dedicate resources towards the written word for their audience experience 7.8x higher year-over-year growth in unique site traffic.

You’d be surprised to know how powerful content writing can be for decision-makers—provided it is done right. We’re talking fully customized content—with enough back links to give your audience proof of authenticity—created using the tone and multimedia that appeal to your target market. A blog within your website dedicated to regular posts with content for your audience’s interest is a great way to keep your website, and any social accounts, active for prospective and current customers.

3.     Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

According to a recent study, about 93% of all online experiences start off with a search engine, Google being the top choice.Generating traffic is your way to increasing your likelihood of converting leads, and incorporating up-to-date SEO algorithms in your content is your way to go. For B2B marketers, search engine marketing is arguably one of the most effective strategies for generating leads.

In short, a great SEO strategy is you taking the spot on search engine results seconds after your target consumer types in their query. The more SEO-integrated pages your website consists of the better your chances.50% of search engine users are more likely to click a result if the brand name appears multiple times in search engine results.

The best thing about SEO over most traditional online marketing strategies is that repeat services will not cost you the megabucks of traditional marketing. As effective as SEO is, remember that the keyword research process of it is based on what people like. Search Berg has a comprehensive, far-reaching keywords research technique for SEO that takes into account local consumer preferences for small businesses to give their website’s content the attention it needs to convince and convert leads.

4.     Social Media Management

If you thought that the young population was all you could approach on social media, think again. Over 56% of adults use more than one social media platform. Whether your target market includes of baby boomers, millennials, gen Z, or some or all of the mentioned, you can’t go wrong with promoting your business on social media.

The rate at which the audience on these channels grew over the past few years is fantastic. According to Facebook’s latest quarterly earnings report, the channel now hosts approximately 1.4 million daily active users. Other business-friendly social platforms include:

  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

However, the question you may be asking yourself here is this: why get professional services for social media?

In short: there’s a vast difference between managing personal social accounts and business-purpose social accounts. In addition to adding attention-grabbing titles and likewise images, you also need to understand your audience, specifically what content they consider worth their time—all things a professional social media management expert can deliver to each one of your business’s social accounts.

5.     Pay-Per-Click Marketing

A lot more far-reaching than traditional ads and a lot less likely make a big dent in your marketing budget, PPC marketing is a direct way to advertise your business online. It’s a game-changer for small businesses to compete with larger corporations with sizable resources for marketing.

The time and location-specific nature of PPC ads makes them extremely relevant to your marketing campaign. Not only are PPC ads effective for giving prospects a hassle-free way of finding what they want without extensive search-time online, they are also convenient for present customers to search your business by name.

All above-mentioned strategies make great core concepts to implement or adapt in an online marketing strategy. If you want to promote your business online and establish online presence and visibility in order to increase sales, and gain new clients, these strategies are the way to go. Collectively, they make up a strong and extensive campaign to kick off your small business’s growth online, and maintain its integrity long-term to expand it to a large business.

Make 2018 be the year you transform your small business into an online empire. Look into these viable marketing options and be sure to give Search Berg a call if you have any questions.