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How to Rank in Google Maps: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Rank in Google Maps – Dealers League

Local search is a very important component of any successful SEO strategy. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing professional, understanding how to rank in Google Maps can significantly boost your visibility and drive more traffic to your business. When potential customers search for services or products in their locality, the first thing they often see is the Google Maps listing, prominently displaying businesses with their name, address, phone number, and reviews. This prime real estate is not only valuable for increasing foot traffic but also for establishing credibility and trust.

As an SEO expert, I’m frequently asked, “How do I rank in Google Maps?” This question often comes up  in my consultations and within my professional network. Ranking in Google Maps is a powerful way to get noticed, but it requires a strategic approach. In this article, I will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process to optimise your business for Google Maps. From foundational steps like Google My Business setup and citation building to advanced techniques such as geo-tagging images and map stacking, you’ll gain actionable insights to elevate your local SEO game.

By the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand why Google Maps ranking is essential but also have a clear roadmap to achieve top positions in local search results. 

Let’s dive in and unlock the potential of Google Maps for your business.

Step 1: Google My Business & Website Optimisation

The first and most critical step to ranking in Google Maps is optimising your Google My Business (GMB) profile and your website. This foundation is very important; without it, the following steps will not get you the desired results. 

Here’s how to get started:

Sign Up for Google My Business

  1. Go to Google My Business: Visit Google My Business and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it.
  2. Add Your Business: Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your business details. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and complete.
  3. Verify Your Business: Google will send you a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Once you receive it, log back into your GMB account and enter the code to verify your business.

Ensure NAP Consistency

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Consistency in these details across all online platforms is important for your Google Maps ranking.

  1. Check Your NAP: Ensure that your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same everywhere they appear online. This includes your website, social media profiles, and directory listings.
  2. Be Specific: Even minor discrepancies, like using “St.” instead of “Street,” can confuse search engines and hurt your ranking. For example, if your business is listed as “Dealers League S.L, El Robledal, 40197 San Cristobal de Segovia, Spain” on Google, it should be identical everywhere else.

Embed a Google Map on Your Website

Embedding a Google Map on your website helps Google understand your business’s location and boosts your local SEO.

  1. Get the Embed Code:
  2. Go to Google Maps and search for your business address.
  3. Click on the “Share” button and then select “Embed a map.”
  4. Copy the embed code provided.
  5. Add the Map to Your Site: Paste the embed code into the HTML of your website. This can be done on your contact page, in the footer, or anywhere else that makes sense.

Add Local Business Schema

Schema markup is a type of code that helps search engines understand the information on your website better. Implementing a local business schema tells Google that your site represents a local business, which can improve your visibility in local searches.

  1. Create the Schema Markup: You can use online tools like Schema.org to generate the local business schema code. Fill in your business details accurately.
  2. Insert the Code:
    • Copy the generated schema markup.
    • Paste this code into the <head> section of your website’s HTML. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, your web developer can help.

Step 2: Building Foundational Citations

The next step to ranking in Google Maps is building foundational citations. Citations are online mentions of your business that include your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP). They help establish your business’s credibility and improve your local SEO. 

Here’s how to do it:

Create Citations

Creating citations means listing your business on various reputable websites. These listings signal to Google that your business is legitimate and well-established.

  1. List Your Business: Start by listing your business on major sites like Yelp, Foursquare, and YP.com. These sites are trusted by search engines and provide a strong foundation for your online presence.
  2. Fill in Details Accurately: Ensure that your NAP is consistent across all listings. Double-check for any typos or discrepancies.

Outsource

Building citations can be time-consuming and tedious, but it’s essential for your Google Maps ranking. If you want to save time and ensure accuracy, consider outsourcing this task.

  1. Choose a Reliable Service: Find a reputable service that specialises in creating and managing business citations. These services have the expertise to handle the process efficiently and correctly.
  2. Provide Business Information: Give the service your accurate business details, including your NAP. They will take care of the rest, ensuring that your business is listed on all the important directories.

Step 3: Competitor Citations Analysis & Replication

The third step in ranking your business in Google Maps involves analysing and replicating the citations of your top competitors. This process helps you identify where your competitors are listed and ensures you are listed in the same places, thereby boosting your local SEO. Here’s how to do it:

Use Whitespark

Whitespark is a powerful tool that helps you find and replicate the citations of your competitors. Follow these steps to leverage Whitespark for citation analysis:

  1. Sign Up for Whitespark: Go to the Whitespark website and sign up for an account. They offer various plans, so choose one that fits your needs.
  2. Conduct a Citation Analysis:
    • Enter Your Keywords: Log into Whitespark and enter the keywords relevant to your business. For example, if you are a plumber in Madrid, you might use keywords like “plumber Madrid” or “plumbing services Madrid.”
    • Analyse Competitors: Whitespark will generate a list of the top competitors for those keywords along with the citations they have.
  3. Identify Citation Sources:
    • Review Competitor Listings: Examine the list of citations that Whitespark provides. These are the directories and websites where your competitors are listed.
    • Create a Citation List: Compile a list of all the directories and websites that your competitors are using.
  4. Replicate Competitor Citations:
    • List Your Business: Visit each of the directories and websites on your list and add your business. Ensure that your NAP (Name, Address, and Phone number) is consistent with what you have used elsewhere.
    • Fill in Details Accurately: Just like with foundational citations, accuracy is crucial. Double-check all the information before submitting.
  5. Monitor and Update:
    • Track Your Listings: Use Whitespark to monitor your citations and ensure they are live and accurate.
    • Update Regularly: Periodically check your citations and update any information as needed to maintain consistency and accuracy.

Step 4: Google Custom Maps

Creating Google Custom Maps is an advanced technique that can significantly enhance your Google Maps ranking. Custom maps can help boost your visibility in local search results, improve organic rankings, and even contribute to video and image rankings. Here’s how to create and leverage Google Custom Maps for your business:

Create Custom Maps

  1. Go to Google Maps:
  2. Create a New Map:
    • Click on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the screen.
    • Select “Your places” from the menu.
    • Click on the “Maps” tab and then click “Create Map” at the bottom.
  3. Add Your Address:
    • Give your map a name that includes your primary keyword (e.g., “Best Plumber in Madrid”).
    • Use the search bar to find your business address and add it to the map.
    • Add a description that includes relevant keywords and details about your business.
  4. Make It Public:
    • Click on the “Share” button and set the map to “Public on the web” so that it can be indexed by Google.

Outsource for Better Results

Creating multiple custom maps can be time-consuming, but it’s highly effective. If you want to maximise the impact without dedicating too much time, consider outsourcing this task.

  1. Choose a Reliable Service:
    • Find a service that specialises in creating and optimising Google Custom Maps. Look for one with good reviews and proven results.
  2. Provide Business Information:
    • Give the service your accurate business details, including your address and relevant keywords. They will handle the rest, creating multiple custom maps to enhance your online presence.
  3. Monitor Results:
    • Regularly check the performance of your custom maps. Use tools like Google Analytics to see how much traffic they are driving to your website and adjust your strategy as needed.

Step 5: Google Reviews

Google Reviews are another factor in ranking your business in Google Maps. Reviews not only enhance your credibility but also influence potential customers’ decisions. 

Here’s how to effectively gather and manage Google Reviews:

Get Reviews

  1. Ask Clients:
    • Direct Request: After providing a service or completing a sale, ask your clients directly to leave a review. This can be done in person, via email, or through a follow-up message.
    • Provide Instructions: Make it easy for clients by providing clear instructions on how to leave a review. You can send them a link directly to your Google My Business review page.
  2. Leverage Friends and Family:
    • Initial Boost: Ask friends and family to leave positive reviews. While these may not carry the same weight as customer reviews, they can help you get started.
    • Honesty Matters: Ensure that their reviews are honest and reflect real interactions with your business to maintain credibility.
  3. Aim for at Least 5 Reviews:
    • Star Ratings: Having at least 5 reviews is important because that’s when star ratings start appearing next to your business in search results. This can significantly increase click-through rates.
  4. Offer Incentives:
    • Special Discounts: Consider offering a small discount or a special deal to customers who leave a review.
    • Enter into a Draw: Enter customers into a monthly draw for a prize if they leave a review. Ensure your incentives comply with Google’s review policies.
  5. Use Follow-Up Emails:
    • Automated Emails: Set up automated emails to be sent to customers after a purchase, asking for a review. Include a direct link to your Google My Business page to make the process as easy as possible.
  6. Create a Review Request Card:
    • Physical Reminder: Design and print small cards that you can give to customers, which include a thank-you note and instructions on how to leave a review or get one directly from us.

Monitor and Respond to Reviews

  1. Regular Monitoring:
    • Check Reviews Frequently: Regularly check your Google My Business account to monitor new reviews.
    • Use Notifications: Enable notifications for new reviews so you can respond promptly.
  2. Respond to Reviews:
    • Thank Positive Reviewers: Always thank customers for positive reviews to show appreciation.
    • Address Negative Reviews: Respond to negative reviews professionally and constructively. Offer to resolve issues offline to show other customers that you care about service quality.
  3. Learn from Feedback:
    • Identify Trends: Look for common themes in feedback to identify areas for improvement.
    • Implement Changes: Use constructive criticism to improve your services and address any recurring issues.

Step 6: Local Authority Site Linking

Getting your business listed on local authority sites is an essential step in boosting your credibility and improving your Google Maps ranking. Local authority sites, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau, provide strong signals to Google about the legitimacy and relevance of your business. 

Here’s how to do it:

Join Local Sites

  1. Chamber of Commerce:
    • Membership Benefits: Joining your local Chamber of Commerce can provide numerous benefits, including networking opportunities and increased visibility.
    • Listing Your Business: Ensure your business is listed on the Chamber’s website. This often includes your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) and a link to your website.
  2. Better Business Bureau (BBB):
    • Accreditation: Consider becoming BBB accredited. This adds a layer of trustworthiness to your business.
    • Business Profile: Create or claim your business profile on the BBB website, ensuring all details are accurate and consistent with your other listings.
  3. Local Directories and Associations:
    • Industry-Specific Listings: Join local industry-specific associations and directories relevant to your business.
    • Community Sites: Get listed on community websites and local business directories. These might include local news websites, city guides, and business networks.
  4. Sponsorships and Partnerships:
    • Local Events and Charities: Sponsor local events or partner with charities. This often results in your business being listed on their websites, providing valuable backlinks.

Step 7: Exact Match Anchors from PBNs and Guest Posts

Using exact match anchor texts in Private Blog Networks (PBNs) and guest posts is a powerful strategy to enhance your website’s authority and improve your Google Maps ranking. Here’s how to effectively use this technique:

  1. Private Blog Networks (PBNs):
    • What Are PBNs?: PBNs are networks of authoritative websites used to build backlinks to a target site. They can be very effective when used correctly.
    • Exact Match Anchors: Use exact match anchor texts for your primary keywords. For instance, if your primary keyword is “Best Plumber in Madrid,” use this exact phrase as the anchor text in your PBN links.
    • Trusted Vendors: Purchase PBN links from reputable vendors to ensure quality and avoid penalties from search engines. Look for vendors with a track record of success and positive reviews.
  2. Guest Posts:
    • Writing and Publishing: Write high-quality articles and publish them on authoritative websites in your industry. Include exact match anchor texts within the content.
    • Finding Opportunities: Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to find websites that accept guest posts. Reach out to them with a proposal and pitch your article ideas.
    • Quality Content: Ensure that your guest posts provide value to readers and are relevant to the host site’s audience. This not only helps with SEO but also builds your reputation.
  3. Link Diversity:
    • Balance Your Strategy: While exact match anchors are powerful, it’s essential to maintain a natural link profile. Use a mix of exact match, partial match, and branded anchor texts.
    • Avoid Over-Optimization: Too many exact match anchors can look spammy and result in penalties. Aim for a balanced and organic-looking backlink profile.

Step 8: Google Map Stacking

Google Map Stacking is an advanced technique that can give your Google Maps ranking a significant boost. This method involves creating multiple optimised Google Maps, embedding geo-tagged images, and utilising Google entity stacks to maximise your local SEO impact. Here’s how to implement Google Map Stacking:

Advanced Technique

  1. Create Optimised Google Maps:
    • New Maps for Keywords: Create new Google Maps for different variations of your primary keywords. For instance, if your primary keyword is “Best Plumber in Madrid,” you could also create maps for “Top Plumbing Services in Madrid” and “Madrid Plumbing Experts.”
    • Add Detailed Information: Each map should include detailed information about your business. This includes your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number), business hours, and a comprehensive description that includes your primary and secondary keywords.
    • Public Visibility: Ensure that all maps are set to public. This allows Google to index them and improves your visibility in search results.
  2. Embed Geo-Tagged Images:
    • Geo-Tagging: Use tools like GeoImgr to geo-tag your images with your business location.
    • Add Images to Maps: Embed these geo-tagged images into the custom maps you created. This helps reinforce the location relevance of your business.
    • Quality and Relevance: Make sure the images are high quality and relevant to your business. Photos of your storefront, products, and services work well.
  3. Use Google Entity Stacks:
    • What Are Entity Stacks?: Google entity stacks involve creating interconnected Google properties (like Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and My Maps) that reference your business. These properties link to each other and to your main website, creating a powerful network of related content.
    • Create Interconnected Properties: Start by creating a Google Doc with information about your business, including links to your website and Google My Business page. Next, create a Google Sheet with similar information and links. Repeat this process with Google Slides and other Google properties.
    • Link Everything: Ensure that all these properties link to each other and to your custom Google Maps. This interconnected network helps boost the authority and relevance of your business in Google’s eyes.
  4. Combine Techniques for Maximum Impact:
    • Layering: Use a combination of optimised maps, geo-tagged images, and Google entity stacks to create multiple layers of relevance and authority.
    • Regular Updates: Update your maps and Google properties regularly with new content and images to maintain their freshness and relevance.

Let’s recap:

Understanding how to rank in Google Maps can significantly boost your visibility and drive more traffic to your business. When potential customers search for services or products in their locality, the first thing they often see is the Google Maps listing, prominently displaying businesses with their name, address, phone number, and reviews. This prime real estate is not only valuable for increasing foot traffic but also for establishing credibility and trust.

As an SEO expert, I’m frequently asked, “How do I rank in Google Maps?” This question often comes up in my consultations and within my professional network. Ranking in Google Maps is a powerful way to get noticed, but it requires a strategic approach. In this article, we have walked through a detailed, step-by-step process to optimise your business for Google Maps. From foundational steps like Google My Business setup and citation building to advanced techniques such as geo-tagging images and map stacking, you now have actionable insights to elevate your local SEO game.

Here’s a quick recap of the steps:

  1. Google My Business & Website Optimization: Ensure your GMB profile is fully optimised and consistent with your website’s information.
  2. Building Foundational Citations: List your business on major directories to establish credibility.
  3. Competitor Citations Analysis & Replication: Use tools like Whitespark to identify and replicate your competitors’ citations.
  4. Google Custom Maps: Create and optimise custom Google Maps to enhance your local SEO.
  5. Google Reviews: Actively gather and manage reviews to build credibility and influence customer decisions.
  6. Local Authority Site Linking: Get listed on local authority sites like the Chamber of Commerce and BBB.
  7. Exact Match Anchors from PBNs and Guest Posts: Acquire high-quality links with exact match anchor texts to boost your rankings.
  8. Google Map Stacking: Use advanced techniques like optimised maps, geo-tagged images, and Google entity stacks to maximise your SEO impact.

By following these steps, you’ll not only understand why Google Maps ranking is essential but also have a clear roadmap to achieve top positions in local search results.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us for a consultation. Let’s unlock the potential of Google Maps for your business and drive your local SEO to new heights.

About the author: Michael Masa

Why should you listen to me? With a rich marketing background and a passion for sharing knowledge, I have dedicated the last 9 years of my life to the field. I have worked as Marketing Director and have been instrumental in shaping the marketing strategy of one of Europe’s leading insurers, BAVARIA AG.

Prior to my current role, I spent 12 years as Sales Director, managing a team of 12 dynamic people and applying the latest sales techniques to drive success. This experience allowed me to hone my leadership skills and gain a deep understanding of the sales industry.

I am now at the helm of Dealers League, a marketing agency that not only creates and manages websites for businesses, but also focuses on the importance of effective marketing strategies. Recognising the need for continuous learning in this fast-paced industry, we offer courses on the latest marketing techniques.

My varied experience in sales and marketing gives me a unique insight into how these two crucial areas intersect. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and insights with you through this blog.

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