The reality today is that a lot of businesses benefit from local search. For example, someone in need of groceries can search for a grocery shop close to their location by simply asking Google. The result will be enough to get the exact location and directions to go there.
Therefore the advantages of getting a good Google map listing cannot be over-emphasized because the information that accompanies it can make a big difference on the amount of traffic that comes in. Frankly speaking, there are some people who use data listed on the map to make their own travel plans like searching for hotels and booking based on the address listed on the map. However, the most important thing is that you need to be visible on SERP to make sense of it all.
However, one thing that must be noted is that every SERP will be different even with the same search phrase, keywords or special terms. The results will be unique and the reason for this is simple. Google will customize user experience by publishing result based on the user’s location, social settings and even browsing history. Even though two SERPs may look identical contain what looks like the same set of result, but in reality there would be some differences.
It is important to note that the SERPs appearance is due to well conducted experiments by Google to offer more intuitive experience to users and with the evolving search engine technologies, today’s SERPs are now key to most businesses. To get a good Google Map Listing on top of SERPs, there are several steps required.
The big picture guide to local SEO: ranking in 2016 & beyond https://t.co/iMFsk49o0p via @sengineland
— Jeff Kryger (@JeffKryger) January 5, 2017
Create Google Map Listing
Go to Google Maps and search your business to see the information that is present. In a situation where is nothing showing up, it then means that a new listing needs to be created to map your business property on the map. In some cases where your business is already present, see that the information there is accurate. In fact, look closely the location of the pin on the Google Map and use mobile phone to check your location when you are on your business location.
Claim Your Business
It is important to claim the business after checking and confirming the information. There is a ‘Claim this business” option present and you can capitalize on it by clicking on it. However, it is important to note that this can only happen if you are using Chrome and logged into your Google account. But in cases, where this is not the case, simply log into Google.com/business using your business ID and then claim the business
Information must be Correct
Look at the information you have already and correct them if need be or present a correct information as this is the first step to getting it right. Check NAP data like name, phone number and address. It is important to understand that having a wrong data exposes you to unwanted bad or negative reviews by users which can go a long way in affecting your rankings. Therefore, outdated or different NAP data on different sites will affect negatively your ranking Google maps. Always ensure that whatever data you put out there on the web is accurate.
Reviews
Having a good reputation is very important to this process and you must do everything to ensure that it is the case. Bad or negative reviews are bad to your SERPs rankings which must be avoided at all cost.
One way you can get some good reviews is by asking your customers to write some reviews on Google Map listing. The reviews should be accompanied with stars to make it much more authentic. In fact, it is important to note that businesses with the best relevance and more 5 stars will be ranked higher on SERPs and this means that having more stars and reviews is one of the key to getting better internet ranking.