Mango Madness Digital Agency Ltd.

How to Rank on Google Maps: Local SEO Tips for Small Businesses

A image of a phone screen with the Google Maps widget highlighted used for the blog How to Rank on Google Maps.

If you’re a small business owner, you probably know that ranking on Google is a big deal. But here’s a little secret: ranking on Google Maps is huge. And guess what? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to make it happen. A few simple tweaks can put you on the map, literally!

Let’s dive into how you can get your business popping up when someone searches for “pizza near me” or “best plumber in town.” Spoiler: It’s all about Local SEO.

Claim Your Google My Business Listing

First thing’s first, if you haven’t already, claim your Google My Business (GMB) listing. This free tool lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. If you’re not showing up at all, it’s because your GMB listing is missing.

Head over to Google My Business and follow the simple steps to get verified. Once you’re in the system, fill out your profile like it’s the most important form you’ve ever filled out. It is, after all. Don’t skip out on key details like your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours.

Optimize Your GMB Profile Like a Pro

So, you’ve claimed your listing. Now, let’s make it shine! Optimizing your Google My Business profile can make all the difference. Here’s how:

  • Categories: Pick the right category for your business (and avoid picking too many!). Being specific helps Google understand what your business is all about.
  • Business Description: Write a short and snappy business description. Highlight what makes you unique, but make sure to sneak in a few relevant keywords.
  • Photos & Videos: Google loves visuals. Upload high-quality photos and videos of your products, services, and storefront (if you have). People are more likely to engage with businesses that look appealing and authentic

 

Want to level up? Use the “Posts” feature in your GMB dashboard to share promotions, events, or news. This keeps your listing fresh and engaging.

Get Reviews and Get 'Em Fast!

Google loves reviews, and so do your potential customers. The more reviews you get, the better your chances of climbing the Maps rankings. But it’s not just about the quantity, quality matters too.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave glowing reviews. Send them a polite follow-up email with a direct link to your Google review page. But remember, no fake reviews, Google’s algorithms can sniff those out fast!

Tip: Use tools like ReviewTrackers to keep track of your reviews and get alerts when new ones pop up.

Optimize for Local Keywords

Think of keywords as the magic words that tell Google what your business does. If you’re a plumbing business in Saskatoon, make sure phrases like “best plumbing business in Greater Saskatoon” or “authentic plumbing companies near me” are sprinkled in your GMB profile, website, and even in the posts you create. This helps Google connect your business to the right local searches.

Use tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs to find out which local keywords are driving traffic in your area.

Build Local Citations

Citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites. These can be on local directories, industry sites, or even social media. The more places Google sees your NAP info, the more trustworthy it considers your business.

Start by making sure your NAP info is consistent across the web. Then, claim listings on popular local directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and niche sites relevant to your industry.

Get Your Website in Gear

Your website plays a big role in your Google Maps rankings. It needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, and optimized for local search terms. Google checks your website to confirm that the business details on your site match what’s in your GMB profile.

Use tools like Google Search Console and PageSpeed Insights to test your site’s performance. Small tweaks can make a big difference.

Engage with Your Community

Google rewards businesses that are active in their communities. Stay engaged on social media, answer questions on your GMB profile, and participate in local events.

Being a visible part of your neighbourhood, online and offline will help you rank higher.

Ranking on Google Maps isn’t as mysterious as it seems. Its all about staying active and soon enough you’ll be well on your way to a top spot.

At Mango Madness, we specialize in local SEO listings and offer all the tools you need to get your business visible to the right audience. Contact us today to get your business popping up when people search for services in your area. Let’s make sure you’re the first thing they find!