5 Ways to Boost Business with Google Maps

If you’re a local retailer and haven’t fully optimized your local directories, now is the time. When customers are on their phones and searching for local businesses, they are more likely to convert. In fact, according to a Google study,  88% of customers use their smartphone to conduct local searches, and 84% use a tablet. You need to be sure your site is mobile-friendly, and your local maps listings and directories are optimized and up to date so that your business shows up on Google Maps when they're searching for information in your area. If you haven't optimized your Google Business Profile be sure to do that, too. 

Are people searching for local info?

Consumers search for local information from their smartphones and tablets/desktop computers. What they search for is different on the devices, and because of that, there are multiple ways you can improve your site’s performance.

Do customers use Google Business Profiles to search?

Four out of five consumers use search engines to find local information. As stated above, 88% use a phone, and 84% use a tablet or desktop. This search intent is a significant opportunity for your business if you understand how to leverage the data. 

Why is there a difference between the two consumers? The consumer searching on their desktop has more likely recently realized they want to purchase and are in the research phase. They may be higher up in the sales funnel and not yet know where they want to buy. While the consumer on their smartphone is also conducting research, they’re more inspired to purchase. 50% of customers who search for local information on a smartphone will visit the store within a day. 34% of those who search on a desktop computer will do the same.

What info does your customer need?

As we discussed, the consumer who searches on their phone is more likely to convert within a day. They’re likely already out and about and are looking for information on your store hours, address, and directions to the store. A consumer who searches from their desktop or tablet wants your store hours and address, but they also want to know if you have the item available right now.

Does local SEO matter for your business?

Yes, local searches lead to store visits and purchases. 18% of local searches result in a purchase within a day, compared to only 7% of non-local ones.

So, how do you attract customers and boost your local SEO? By optimizing your local directory profiles. When you offer the information customers need and make it easy for them to act upon it, they’re more likely to convert.

Customers searching on their desktop/tablet are more likely in the research phase. They’re higher in the sales funnel. They may not have decided who to buy from yet. So, it’s an excellent opportunity to attract new customers and introduce them to your business. How do you do this?

Google Business Profile SEO

If you have a Google Business Profile and it’s not verified and fully optimized. It’s time to make it a priority. If you don’t have a page, you can create one for free here. Once you enter your necessary information, you’ll be asked to select a verification method. You must verify the business to be able to change or update anything in the listing. Now, you’ve done the basics. You have a Google Business Porifle. Let’s talk about how we boost the performance of that listing.

5 Ways to boost SEO for your Google Business Profile 

• Add your store hours – make sure they’re correct and up-to-date. One of the top three reasons customers are searching for local information is to find out store hours. Make sure they’re current. If you have special holiday hours, update both your Google My Business listing and your website.

• Add photos from the business. If you have a brick-and-mortar location, include images from within the store. It helps tell a better story.

• Enable customer reviews. We know customers are searching for product information and researching before making their decision. Consumer reviews are an important part of the research process for many people. According to this study, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

• Add Schema Markup to your website. Schema.org markup helps search engines better understand and display the information on your website. You can include your hours of operation, product inventory information, pricing, ratings, and reviews. If you have local events, you can markup that information too.

• Don’t stop at Google Business Profile – create your account on Yelp for Business and optimize your listing. Include the same information you’ve included on Google My Business.

Why does your Google Business Profile matter? 

Some customers will never even visit your website. They will get all the information they need from map and directory listings. Your messaging needs to be consistent and optimized to provide the best information to your customers, no matter where they are on the web. Your Google Business Profile may also show up higher than your website. Having the right information in each area that someone could look online helps your business grow.