How to get ranked in Google Maps

Getting found in Google maps is one of the best ways to attract new customers to your business. And although this task on its own seems obvious for any location-based business, there are a lot of considerations that Google looks at when ranking business. 

In this episode, we cover not just how your ideal clients are using Google maps but also 3 components of your local SEO strategy that are crucial. 

You can listen on:

• iTunes

• Google

• Spotify 

Listen to this episode below:

So how exactly are people using Google maps? Many times Google maps are used as a directions tool to get us from point A to point B in our cars. But people are definitely also using it to find local services. Kind of like the modern yellow pages (for those of you who remember the yellow pages). 

More and more we are seeing very custom searches when it comes to Google maps keywords. And especially when it comes to looking for a local counselor or therapists, your clients want to know where they can go hang out with you. Since many mental health professionals are bound by the licensing of their city or state, this is an essential part of your digital marketing strategy.

Here are 3 components that have to be part of your Local SEO strategy:

1. Strong Profile 

Here we are talking about accurate business information and using all parts of the Google Business Profile account. That includes images, a link to your website, and a clear description of the type of clients you serve.

You also want to make sure that the business categories you have selected on your Google Business Profile are the correct ones. There are a lot of different options and having the right categories can change how you show up in Google. More specifically, targeting some keywords (no keyword stuffing!) can help align with the type of clients who are specifically searching for you.

Even doing some research here on what the category options are, what competition is showing up in each category, and choosing a category that best reflects your services. 

2. NAP consistency

NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone Number and you want to make sure that all your business directory listings (Yelp, Facebook, etc) have the exact same information. Like identical. This may not seem like a big deal but having the exact same information can make a big difference in how you rank. 

This might also be a good time to document all your listings in a spreadsheet or document, just to see what directories you are in, which ones you’d like to register your business, and if there are any paid ones you’d like to invest in, like the BBB (Better Business Bureaux).   

3. Have an active Ratings & Reviews system 

Do you feel that you are constantly having to chase down your clients for ratings and reviews? Especially, as a mental health professional, maybe you feel it is not ethical to directly ask for reviews. 

I have a whole podcast episode about this here: https://digitalbloomiq.com/seo/generating-reviews-local-business but what I can say is that this needs to be intentional and something that is ongoing, not a task you remember to do once a year. 

There are also a few ways to indirectly inspire your clients to leave you a rating and review without directly asking them for it. Even just getting a few new reviews every month can make a big difference in your ranking since it is another factor that Google looks at. 

Not sure where to get started with your own Local SEO strategy? We are currently offering a few SEO Discovery calls each month where my team and I look at your website and give you personalized advice on how to rank better.

During the SEO Discovery call you receive: 

• Custom Keyword List with potential keywords you can rank in 

• Ranking Report with your current position and potential for improvement

• Website Optimization and conversion review, covering how your website is performing today

Click here to fill out the form and book your own SEO Discovery Call!