subject: Marketing with Google Maps [print this page] A large percentage of all the major local searches in the internet, Google would most likely to display at 7-box Google Maps listing on the first page of the organic search and this is usually placed on the first half of the results. When someone adds a city or a zip code to narrow down the search, then Google would know that there is a 100% local intention on the search. This would then shift the 7-box Google Maps on the top of the list. Therefore, if you own a local business, it is important for you to actively participate on the Google Maps listing to let people know that you exist and you offer such products and services.
People who use Google organic search as their Yellow Pages know what they are really looking for and Google Maps is the first thing that will draw their attention. So all you have to do is to let your business be in the front traffic so that you will have a steady stream of new customers and clients.
Google Maps are absolutely free. You do not even have to have a website to sign up for it. However, the listing may be easy and free, it still does not guarantee you that your business will show right away on the search. But, being part of the list is a good start. It still needs hardwork and patience. Actively managing your Google Maps listing, in the long run, will in turn can lead you to good web traffic and clients as well.
How to Optimize Your Google Maps Listing
Here are the 7 most important factors that you want to consider when setting up your Google Maps.
Contact Address. Most of the times, Google would display the businesses that are nearest the city center. So if for example you have a mobile business, you should need to try to get a listing that is near the city. You should take note as well that your contact address should be consistent throughout the website.
Category. Choose the category that is most relevant to your business. Do not put local modifiers on your category. Also, you may want to do some keywords researching first to determine which would trigger the 7-pack list. Be sure that it has search volume.
Business Name or Title. Use Doing Business as Name or DBA when you create your Organization name.
Business Description. This is like the metadata for SEO. You need to be sure that your products and services are in your description.
Content and Media. Adding up photos and videos like product demos. Though it may not be of great help to improve rankings it could, however, turn online browsers to offline buyers.
Coupons. Use coupons as this would make you unique from other competitors in the local business listing.
Double Listing. Never do it as people may easily flag you and lost your listing.
Once you are done with the setup, Google will send you a PIN number for you to verify. Verifying can be done in 3 ways: phone, text message and mail.
If you think you are having a hard time setting up your Google Maps, you may want to seek professional help from RevStreamMarketing and they would gladly provide you what you need.
