A Complete Guide To Creating An SEO Marketing Strategy
Learn how to build an effective SEO strategy using on-page, off-page, technical, and mobile SEO techniques to drive traffic and improve search rankings.
7 minutes
24 Aug
How To Improve Google Maps Ranking: Top 5 SEO Google Maps Ranking Tips
March 6, 2022
In this article we'll show you how to improve google maps ranking.
Imagine if you could get your business to show up in the top #3 of the Google Map rankings!
You’d probably get more phone calls, more clicks to your website and more paying customers looking to buy the products and services your business sells.
How good would that be?
Pretty good I’d say!
With the days of yellow pages being the go-to place to find local services and products, many consumers are turning to Google instead. Over the past few years, you may have noticed that Google more and more are deliver ‘location based’ search results with the top 3 map listing. These listings are generated from Google’s own online directory, known as Google My Business or GMB for short.
GMB are important features that can help increase your website ranking on the search engine result page (SERP). They can also increase your business reputation, enabling customers to both find and trust your business
In this article, I’m going to show you what you need to do boost your Google Map Ranking.
Step 1 – Research location-based keywords to optimse
Firstly, you need to find out what keywords that consumers are using to find products/services where your business is located. We can find these location-based keywords using a keyword research tool, such as Ubersuggest (free) and Google , to get a list of relevant keywords to sprinkle throughout your GMB listing.
For example, if you are offering website design services in Cheltenham (like me), then you might use a seed search the term like “web designer cheltenham”. When you go to the bottom of Google search, you will find a list of keywords suggested by Google. These keywords are terms that most people within your area search when looking for products/ searching related to your niche.
Add the suggested keywords to a list which we will add to your GMB listing later to help boost your ranking.
Step 2 - Google my business listing optimisation
It is important to ensure that all information included in GMB is correct and adheres to Google's business guidelines. How you optimise your GMB will determine your local ranking. It is therefore important to ensure that every detail that you provide is accurate and well optimized for the keywords you would like to rank for.
Below is what you need to do to optimise your GBM listing.
Claim your business listing
The first crucial step to optimising your GMB listing is claiming your GMB. Remember that anyone can list your business on Google. It is therefore important to claim your listing to get the right to manage reviews as well as post and edit crucial information.
Google algorithm keeps on changing, so ensure that stay up to date with Google updates and make changes on your listing when necessary to maintain good ranking.
To claim your GMB listing, go here: https://www.google.com/intl/en_au/business/
Complete your GMB profile
This is arguably the most important step in GMB optimisation. Ensure that you fill every field on your GMB listing complete including your business name, Phone number, address website, category, hours of operation, attributes, Q& A, descriptions, and photos.
When filling out the information, your aim should not to meet the minimum requirements set by Google. Instead, you should optimise each field by including a mixture of keywords we found in step 1 to make your listing appear for these searches.
- Optimise your description
The description included in your GMB profile should add more juice to your listing. Description optimisation means adding your main keywords and highlighting crucial features that will attract customers. You only have 750 characters, so use them wisely. Also, remember that only 250 characters will be seen in the knowledge panel that is shown in Google searches.
- Choose category
Having your business listed under a certain category will help customers locate your business easily in non-branded searches. The category for a Professional Website Designer like Digital Treasury, would be "Web Designer". Make sure you find the closest match to your industry.
- Upload quality photos and videos
Statistics show that customers are 42 percent more likely to visit a business if the listing has a photo. So ensure that you optimise your GMB listing by uploading a quality profile photo and a photo cover. Also, include other general photos. Your profile photo should aim to boost your brand recognition while your cover photos should promote your brand's cultures and personality.
- Collect GMB reviews
If you are keen, then you must have noticed that when you search for services or products online, business results have maps and star ratings. Reviews not only determine your ranking but it also determines if the user will click on your website. Gather reviews and ensure that they are genuine. The more positive reviews your business has, the higher it will rank on local search results.
- Post descriptions and images
Use GMB to create events, make announcements, run promotions and highlight your products/services. Ensure that you post information that is relevant, engaging and informative to make the customer choose you over your competitors.
- Ask Q&A
Google maps now offer Q&A features. This means that anyone can ask a question and also anyone can respond to those questions. Create a Q&A to make it easier for your clients to know more about your business and product/services that your business offers.
Step 3. Embed Google map on your website
Another great way to improve your ranking on Google maps is to insert a Google map on your website’s contact page. Embedding a Google map on your website is a great way of informing Google that your business is located where your listing says. It also helps customers to stay engaged with your business and learn where to find it. Anything that you can do to make it easy for the customer to find your business is worth doing. Embedding Google maps on your business is simple. All that you need to do is search your business name on Google maps. Click the share button then choose embed a map tab. Copy-paste that link on your website contact page. Ensure that you use the exact address that you have on GMB listing when embedding a Google map on your business.
Below is the actual code output (note - I manually updated the iframe width to be 100%):
Step 4. Claim and verify Apple maps and Bing places
Claiming and verifying Apple maps and Bing places can give you a competitive advantage. Apple maps usually pull a lot of their data from directory sites like Yelp and other major data aggregator sites. So before claiming and verifying the listing on apple maps, it is crucial to ensure that the information provide is accurate. Claiming Bing places can also help to boost your Google map ranking. Bing places listing can be claimed via phone verification. However, in some cases, it may require postcard verification. When claiming Bing places listing, ensure that the information provided is accurate. Also, don’t forget to add identity photos.
Step 5. Create top business directories with exact Name, Address, Phone number (NAP)
A major factor that determines your ranking locally is the quality and quantity of your directory listings and your NAP consistency. NAP means name, address, and phone number. This feature is critical for any business that wants to rank high on Google's local search.
People usually refer to the occurrence of NAP information on the web as a citation. Citation is when your business NAP information shows up on blog posts, newspaper articles, and directory sites. Out of six foundational ranking factors, three are related to citation quality, quantity, and consistency. When determining the ranking, Google usually scans the web to check for mentions on your business NAP, URL among other crucial information. It then compares that data to other sources, including the information provided by major data providers. If the information is correct and consistent, then Google will boost your ranking.
Now you should have a good idea on what it takes to give your GMB a ranking boost.
Here’s a quick recap of the main takeaways (or our how to rank Google Maps!):
- Research location-based keywords: find the keywords that customers are using to find businesses in your location
- Optimise your GMB listing for the keywords you found
- Embed the GMB map on your actual website
- Get your business verified on Bing and Apple Maps
- Get your business listed on website directories
Recommended articles:
Articles
Latest blogs &
articles
Who is Digital Treasury?
We're a Melbourne-based digital agency with extensive experience helping Australian businesses build stronger online presences. Our team specialises in web design, development, hosting and SEO services - everything you need to get found online and convert visitors into customers.
Over the years, we've worked across different platforms and industries, giving us the insight to know what actually works for businesses like yours. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your existing website, we focus on practical solutions that deliver real results for your business.
What types of businesses and industries do you work with?
We work with a wide range of Australian businesses, with particular expertise in healthcare, B2B services, SaaS companies, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), professional services and e-commerce brands. Our team offers tailored SEO and web solutions that are customised to fit your industry, target audience and business goals.
Where is Digital Treasury located and do you work with businesses Australia-wide?
We are based in Melbourne but we work with clients throughout Australia. Our work is mostly done remotely by video conferencing and emails, which makes collaboration easier regardless of where your business may be based.
What services does Digital Treasury offer?
Our key services include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Website Design, Website Development, Website Maintenance and Website Hosting. They are provided either separately or combined, ensuring that we provide you with one reliable source to help establish your online presence for your business.
How do I get started with Digital Treasury?
Getting started is easy. Just contact us for an initial conversation about what you want, your budget and timeframe. We will talk to you about what you need, give advice about the best way forward and provide you with a detailed, upfront proposal.
What makes Digital Treasury different from other agencies?
We integrate our technical skills with honest communication and a strong emphasis on results that will benefit your company. Being a small team allows us to give you personal attention, upfront costs and all the support we would give to our own project.
Do you work with small businesses and startups?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are small businesses and startups looking to establish or improve their online presence. We will make suggestions based on your particular situation and budget needs, providing useful services at affordable prices.
How do you communicate with clients and report on progress?
We are convinced that clear communication should be maintained consistently during any of our projects. In accordance with the chosen service, you will be updated about your project through emails, meetings and detailed reports. We maintain constant contact with you, answering your queries along the way.
How does Digital Treasury structure its pricing?
We keep our pricing straightforward by providing a complete project quote rather than breaking it down into confusing line items. This approach gives you a clear understanding of exactly what you'll pay for the entire scope of work.
Every project is different, so costs depend on your specific requirements and the complexity involved. We'll assess your needs and provide transparent pricing that reflects the full value of what we'll deliver for your business.
Am I locked into a long-term contract?
We believe in earning your trust through quality work rather than tying you down with restrictive contracts. For specific projects like website builds, we'll provide you with a clear upfront quote so you know exactly what to expect.
Our ongoing services like website hosting, maintenance and search engine optimisation work a bit differently - we discuss these on a flexible arrangement basis that suits your business needs and budget.
Can you provide case studies or examples of previous work?
Yes, we can provide case studies and examples of our previous work. Potential clients frequently request these to see concrete evidence of our past successes. They want to understand how we’ve helped similar businesses achieve their goals through SEO and website development. Our case studies typically highlight our clients’ challenges, the strategies we implemented, and the measurable results we achieved, such as increased traffic and higher conversion rates. This builds trust and demonstrates our ability to deliver on our promises.
What types of SEO services do you offer?
We offer a comprehensive range of SEO services designed to boost your online visibility. Our core services include technical SEO fixes, on-page and content optimisation, local SEO for Melbourne businesses, thorough keyword research, detailed SEO audits, strategic link building, and ongoing performance tracking.
Can you guarantee first-page or number-one rankings?
No reputable SEO agency can guarantee specific rankings because search engines like Google use complex algorithms that change frequently. These changes are completely outside anyone's control. What we can promise is our commitment to using proven, white-hat strategies that give your website the best possible chance of ranking well.
Rather than making unrealistic promises, we focus on sustainable SEO practices that build long-term visibility and drive genuine business results. Our approach is about maximising your opportunities for success, not making guarantees that simply can't be kept.
Do you offer local SEO for businesses targeting specific areas?
Yes. Local SEO ensures that your business is found in location-specific search results and map results, making it perfect if you offer your products or services within specific suburbs or locations. We ensure that we optimise your Google Business Profile and your website content for local search.
Do you help with content optimisation?
Yes. Quality and relevant content plays a very important role in effective SEO optimisation. We can optimise your current webpages as well as provide you with some suggestions for creating content based on your keywords.
How much does SEO cost?
Pricing for SEO is determined based on your specific business goals, how competitive your industry is and the amount of work needed to achieve results. We will customise pricing plans depending on budgets while giving you a definite quote right from the start.
How do you decide which keywords to target?
We do extensive keyword research to know how your prospective clients search for information on the internet. After analysis of various parameters like search intent, relevancy, competition and commercial value, we shortlist keywords that resonate well with your products and services.
Do I need to change my website's content for SEO?
Yes, quite often. We recommend refreshing existing content frequently or creating new pieces that better match what your potential customers are actually searching for online. Of course, changes should be carefully implemented with regard to your company’s tone of voice.
What is the contract length for your SEO service?
We ensure that our SEO agreement remains flexible as opposed to being committed to long-term contracts. Even though SEO is most effective when conducted on a continuous basis, we do not mind discussing agreements that work for your benefit.
Is it necessary to hire an SEO agency or can I do SEO myself?
You can surely do basic SEO on your own and we are happy to point you in the right direction. However, SEO is very time-consuming and keeps changing frequently. Hiring an experienced SEO agency will ensure that you get more out of it without having to think about it anymore.
How does backlink building contribute to SEO success?
Backlinks are simply links to your website from another website. Search engines consider backlinks as an indication of credibility and authority. Our approach is to build links to your site through ethical and sustainable methods, building up the reputation of your website in the process.
What does your website design process look like?
We start by understanding your business goals and target audience to ensure your website truly connects with your customers. From there, we develop a web design strategy and create initial designs that we refine based on your feedback. Once you approve the designs, we go ahead to the development phase.
When should I consider redesigning my website?
A redesign is worth considering if your site looks outdated, performs poorly on mobile, loads slowly, is difficult to update or no longer reflects your brand. A modern, well-built website can improve user experience, credibility and your ability to attract customers.
Which CMS platforms do you build websites on?
We specialise in Webflow and WordPress, selecting the most suitable platform for you. WordPress allows for versatility, whereas Webflow gives you a sleek design with easy maintenance. We will suggest the most appropriate choice for you.
Do you provide SEO with your website builds?
Yes. All our websites are developed using SEO guidelines like a clean layout, quick loading speed, mobile optimisation and solid on-page foundation. In addition to that, we have professional SEO service packages that help businesses increase their online presence.
Do you offer ongoing website maintenance?
Yes. We offer website maintenance services to ensure that your website is safe, up-to-date and working properly. This encompasses software and plug-in upgrades, security protection, backups and basic changes to give you a hassle-free experience so that you can concentrate on your business.
Can I migrate my existing site to your hosting?
Yes, we can absolutely handle the complete website transfer to our managed hosting platform without any hassle on your end. Our team manages the entire migration process, ensuring your site moves across smoothly without downtime or disruption to your business.
Can we provide feedback throughout the process?
Absolutely and we actually encourage it. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to review our progress and share your thoughts at every stage. It ensures we're building exactly what you have in mind, rather than guessing what might work.
Will I own my website once it's built?
Yes. After completion of your project, the website will be yours. We believe in absolute transparency when it comes to issues of ownership and accessibility and would gladly take care of your requirements in this respect.
How long does it take to build a website?
The timeline for your website project really depends on what you're looking to achieve. A straightforward business website typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, while more complex builds with custom functionality or extensive content requirements will naturally take longer.
We'll give you a clear timeline estimate once we understand your specific needs during our initial consultation. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect and can plan your launch accordingly.
What kind of support do you provide after my website launches?
We don't go away once we've launched. We provide continuing support, maintenance and hosting to ensure that your website runs at optimum capacity. If you have any queries about how to develop your website, we will be there for you.
