Google Maps has become a crucial tool for small businesses to attract customers and drive foot traffic to their storefronts. However, not all small businesses appear on Google Maps, which can significantly affect their online visibility. Here are five things small businesses can do to appear on Google Maps.
Claim your business on Google My Business.
The first and most crucial step to appearing on Google Maps is to claim your business on Google My Business. This free tool allows you to manage your business’s online presence across Google, including search and maps. By claiming your business, you can add accurate information, such as your address, phone number, hours of operation, and website, which will help customers find you on Google Maps.
Optimize your Google My Business profile.
Once you’ve claimed your business on Google My Business, optimizing your profile to increase your chances of appearing on Google Maps is essential. This includes adding high-quality photos of your business, responding to customer reviews, and keeping your business information up-to-date. Doing this will help Google understand more about your business and improve your chances of showing up on Google Maps.
Get listed in online directories.
Online directories such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and TripAdvisor are essential for local businesses to appear on Google Maps. These directories provide valuable information about your business, including your address, phone number, hours of operation, and reviews. By getting listed in these directories, you’ll increase your chances of appearing on Google Maps and reaching potential customers in your area.
Use local keywords on your website.
Using local keywords on your website is crucial for small businesses to appear on Google Maps. This means including keywords relevant to your company and the location you serve on your website. For example, if you run a coffee shop in Petoskey, MI, you might include keywords such as “coffee shop Petoskey” or “best coffee in Petoskey” on your website. Doing this will improve your chances of ranking higher in Google search results, increasing your visibility on Google Maps.
Get backlinks from local websites.
Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your website. Getting backlinks from local websites can significantly improve your chances of appearing on Google Maps. This is because Google uses backlinks to determine the authority and relevance of your website. By getting backlinks from local websites and high-ranking directories, you’ll show Google that your business is relevant to your local area and increase your chances of appearing on Google Maps.
Appearing on Google Maps is crucial for small businesses to attract customers and drive foot traffic to their storefronts. By following these five tips, small businesses can improve their online visibility and increase their chances of appearing on Google Maps.
Sign up for our newsletter for free tips for small businesses and organizations. Our email includes special content that we don’t share on social or on our blog; it’s just for newsletter subscribers! Sign up today and receive THREE complimentary downloads to help your business/organization set goals, track the right metrics, and create killer content.
