How to Get Your Business Profile Into the Top 10 Local Map Search Results on Google
You’ve probably noticed the business results map that comes up in Google when you perform a local search. If you search for “bakery denver colorado,” for example, you’ll see 10 results with business names and phone numbers next to a map. That’s local search. And it’s the latest, greatest, and affordable online advertising opportunity for local businesses.
86% of local searchers follow up by making a direct contact and 61% of those make a purchase. New, local, and mobile searchers want to do business with you, if they can find you. You want new customers to grow your business, but do you show up where they’re searching? Local search maps optimization will move your business listing into the top 10 spots.
Step 1: Get your business profile into the top 10
If you’re not already in the top 10 local search map results, you’ll want to get there. When was the last time you noticed the “More results near…” link below and clicked on it? The reason you want to be in the top 10 is simple: you want those 86% of searchers to see your company name and phone number.
To get into top 10, you first must create a business listing with maximum relevancy to local and mobile searchers. Secondly, you must distribute your listing information to , , , and about 40 other important online directories.
Step 2: Move your listing to the top
If you are already in the top 10 local search map results, or once you get into the top 10 with step 1, you’ll want to rank higher by building citations to your contact information on other sites and directories. You should update this on a monthly basis.
Step 3: Track your local search success
Now, what kind of marketer would you be if you didn’t track your return on investment? One way to track your success is with a call tracking service. Call tracking routes the phone number that is listed in the top 10 results to your business phone number, or to any number of your choice. A good call tracking service will also include a call recording, so that you can hear the calls customers place to your business, as well as provide you reports as to how your local search advertising is performing.
This is your chance to own a piece of the local search results page. Are you ready to stake your claim on the map?