Search Engine Academy of South Carolina

Google Maps

It is getting more important for your Web site to show up in the maps section of Google (which is also referred to as the “10 Pack”) especially if your business is a brick and mortar business.   The issue is how do you get there and how do you stay there once you are there.

Let me explain….

First did you know that 30 to 40% of all searches are local?  For instance people who are searching on a doctor or a car wash normally attach their search to a geographical location.  Such as “Doctors in Lexington SC” or “car wash near Highway 1, Lexington SC.”

Google has been working for years to provide searchers with the ability to search with local intent.  Since the implementation of Universal Search earlier this year, they have made it easier for local business to show up in their “10 Pack” and help drive traffic not only to their businesses but to their Web sites as well.

The one thing that differs is that the Google Map algorithm is completely different then the algorithms used to determine regular rankings in the SERP’s. 

Just how are they different?

Regular rankings in the SERP’s rely heavily on your on-page and off-page factors from your Web site where as Google Maps rely on factual information they have about your business and the trust factor that you have earned with your business listings through business directories such as the Yellow Pages, infousa.com and localeze.com .  Google relies on your business listings or profile to determine rankings.

Note: It is possible to rank in the “10 Pack” without having a Web site.

If your industry or location is highly competitive then they will start using your Web site as a determining factor when ranking you in the “10 Pack” but only after they have looked at business profile.

So how can you improve your Google Map listings?

• First and foremost add your business profile to Google Maps. Enhance your listing in Google maps as much as possible.  Verify your listing using the phone verification method for quicker results.
• Standardize your information by being sure you are listing your business name, address and contact information the same in all of your online profiles.
• If Google goes to your Web site for additional ranking information make sure your business location, address and phone number including area code is all listed in straight html code and not embedded in a graphic.
• Optimize your site for the localities you want to be found in.
• Work on getting reviews for your business within Google Maps. 

I hope this helps you understand how Google Maps work and gives you some insight on how they determine if your business appears in the “10 Pack.”

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