SEO

6 Tips To Improve Your Google Local Rank

One of the questions my clients often ask me is what they can do to improve their business/website rank on the Google Local maps listings.  And thankfully… I have answers!

Rather than write a big long “how-to” I am going to give you a quick run-down on the “nuts & bolts” of improving your ranking with Google Local. 

1.  You’ll need to signup for your Google Business Center and add your business.  It’s free.

2.  While adding your business it’s important that you complete ALL of the listing information that is applicable for your business, products or services.  Google wants to see complete information including services offered, areas of service, pictures of your work/products, hours of operation, payment methods and even reviews from your customers which we’ll touch on in a moment.

3.  You MUST list your business’ complete physical address on your website.  Preferably somewhere on every page.  Along with a phone number and your area code.  If you operate from a home office then you can get a PO box cheap.

4.  Your website TITLE tag should contain your geographic location and service. 

Example:

Instead of your website title tag saying “Johns Plumbing Service” you’d want it to say something like “Qualicum Beach Plumber | Johns Plumbing Service”

Now the search engines can properly categorize the website.  This is such a tiny detail that makes an incredible difference.  Keep in mind if you service many areas it’s unadvisable to try and stuff them all into your title tags.

Instead you’ll need to create additional pages that describe your services for each specific service area.  This is a lot more work, but it’s the best way to take advantage of the SEO potential.

#5.  Local Community Links, Charities, Schools, Churches,  Newspapers, etc…

If your business sponsors any local events, charities, school teams etc… You should be asking for a link on their website to yours.  Most of the above organizations have websites you need to come up with a way to get them linking to you… I’ll save that for another article.

#6.  Positive Customer Reviews.

This is probably your single biggest factor in ranking.  Through Google Local your customers have the opportunity to leave reviews on your services.  Google looks at these positive reviews has huge credibility boosters for your business.  In Google’s eyes, if your customers like you then their search users will too.

Whenever you complete any type of work for a client especially if you serve a specific geographic market you should be asking them to leave positive feedback on your Google business listing.  You can make it even easier for them and place a link directly to your listing from your website.  Now your customers can easily find the listing, leave a positive review and help propel you to the top.

It’s important to note that Google Local feeds off of several other review websites in addition to their own, so you need to find out where (if ever) your customers are reviewing you and claim those listings if you haven’t already.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to falsify or trick Google Local by leaving false reviews or having friends and family leave several positive reviews. You risk your account being deleted and your listing removed.

Carl Sorensen