Google Maps Local SEO Course

1. Open the page where you will start creating your business profile on Google

To create a free business profile on Google, open the dedicated website and create a profile in your Google business account:

https://business.google.com/create

2. Provide your business name and its main category

Now, you need to give the business name and its primary business category. This step is one of the most important steps because it is the first thing users will see when they come to your business profile on Google.

• Enter an exact business name -> one by which users can search for your business.

Enter a category -> you can choose it from those available. If you are a notary, plumber, dentist, lawyer, cleaning service, choose that category.  

3. Select if you want your customers to see your business address

Here you have to choose if you want customers to know the address of your business and be able to map a route to it. Consider whether or not you want customers to see a pin with your business address marked on it and be able to map a route to it. 

4. If you selected - Yes

If you have chosen to add the company's address (physical location) to your business listing, you must complete the address details.

You need to specify in them:

• Country
• Address
• City
• Postal code (if any)
• Enter the physical location of your business

If you selected no, then you need to enter the areas where your business provides its services (if it does). Google says these should not be areas farther than a 2.5-hour drive from your company.  

Just enter the cities or zip codes. You can add several.

***You will rank higher locally with and address, but won't be visible further out. Your best option is to list a local address and a service area!!

5. Enter your contact information

Here you have to enter your contact information to your business listing. Remember to fill in the data correctly. This step is necessary so that your customers can contact you.

if you don't yet have a business website and want to create one, Click the "I don't have a website" button. Google will create a simple and free website for your business that you can manage through your business profile on Google. You can change this to any URL later. 

6. Verify your company profile on Google

The final step is the verification process of your company's Google profile. You have to choose how you want to verify your business profile on Google at this stage.

Sometimes you will be given one verification option. Sometimes you will be given many, from which you can choose one that is most convenient for you. Unfortunately, the forms of the verification of Google business profiles are entirely up to Google, and you can not impact it.

Remember that your business profile on Google will not be visible until you verify it.

7. Productize Your Services On Your Google listing

This means list each service as though it was a product. This will make you listing stand out! Make to list every "Sub Service" you offer as well.

8. Get Reviews & Reply To Them

Ask for reviews (5-star) and when you reply to these reviews use keywords in the reply. EX: "Thank you for using our Mobile Notary Service Here In Port Orange!"

"We were glad to drive out to Ormond Beach To Assist You With Credit Repair". This is huge. It makes a difference, and there is a really good chance your competitors aren't doing it!

Productize Your Google Maps Listing

Remember...The ultimate goal is to place top 3 in the maps. 

Optimizing google map listing requires a few things:

1. Claim and verify your listing: Make sure the information for your business is accurate and up to date. 

 2. Use high-quality photos: Upload pictures that accurately represent your business.  Geo tag these images to location in your service area

3. Fill out all relevant information: Include contact information, hours of operation, categories, and keywords. Add sub sets of services and any related keywords you can think of. Spy on your competitors who are already in the top 3. 

4. Encourage customer reviews: Ask customers to leave reviews to help boost your listing.  

5. Monitor and respond to customer reviews: Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, in a timely manner.  Reply with keywords: "Thank you for using orange Port Orange Legal Services"

6. Post updates: Posting updates on your listing will help keep customers informed.  

7. Use Google Posts: Google Posts allow you to highlight promotions, special events, or other announcements.  

8. Productize your listings, get listed in multiple directories with your exact map pin & same name, address and phone number. 

Map Pin Stacking & Local Citation

1. Local Citations

Logic: Local citations are mentions of your business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) across various websites, directories, or platforms. The idea is to establish your business's legitimacy and improve its local search ranking by showing consistent and widespread online presence.

*Important: Download our top 50 FREE Directory listings for local citations HERE!

Steps:

1. Audit Current Citations:

   • Use tools like BrightLocal or Moz Local to find where your business is already listed and ensure NAP consistency.

2. List in High-Authority Directories:

   • Register your business on major directories like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Bing Places, Facebook, and local-specific directories (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, local news sites).

3. Focus on Industry-Specific Directories:

   • If your business is in a niche, list in directories specific to that industry.

4. NAP Consistency:

   • Ensure the exact same format of your NAP is used across all platforms (down to spelling and abbreviations).

5. Optimize Listings:

   • Add photos, descriptions, keywords, business categories, and any other relevant information to enrich your citations.

6. Encourage Reviews:

   • Positive reviews on citation sites like Yelp or TripAdvisor add credibility and improve rankings.

2. Map Pin Stacking

Logic: Map pin stacking involves creating multiple geotagged Google Maps pins that associate your business with various local areas, signaling to Google that your business serves a wider local radius. It strengthens your local relevance and helps dominate searches in multiple geographic locations.

Steps:

1. Geotagged Content Creation:

   • Taking photos and geotag them with locations around your service area doesn't work, but map pins with directions & keywords does. Our suggestion is to outsource this task to someone on Fiverr for a few bucks. It will be well worth it.

2. Create Pins for Strategic Locations:

   • Create Google My Business (GMB) listings or custom map pins in Google Maps for key locations relevant to your service area (not fake addresses but logical touchpoints, like landmarks or client service areas).

3. Add Content to Each Pin:

   • Upload geotagged photos and write content for each pin with relevant keywords and local references.

4. Link Pins to Your Main Profile:

   • Include links back to your website and Google Business Profile in each pin.

5. Build Local Backlinks:

   • Publish blog posts, press releases, or social media posts linking to these mapped locations.

6. Engage in Local Communities:

   • Interact with users in local forums or groups, directing them to your mapped pins when appropriate.

Why Both Are Important:

• Local Citations provide authority and trustworthiness for your business by showing it’s active and legitimate.
• Map Pin Stacking enhances the geographic reach of your SEO efforts and signals to Google that your business is a central player in the local community.

When combined, these strategies can significantly improve your visibility in local search results and Google Maps.

How do you Rank Higher on the Google Map Pack & Get Reviews?

Google has said it looks at three, key ranking factors for local businesses:

• Proximity
• Relevance
• Prominence
• Embedding Map (like backlinking) -> Create iFrame Code Here

And these ranking factors can be influenced by:

• Keeping your logo, photos and imagery up to date
• Updating your opening times
• Responding to questions on your business profile
• No duplicate listings
• Correct location
• Reviews (more on these later)-> Black Hat SEO Reviews Here!
• A business description that sells your business and shows off what services or products you sell
• Great content that is posted regularly-> Post regularly with 14-Day Trial of GoHighLevel!

Google Reviews are crucial for businesses and individuals seeking to establish an online reputation. Here are some reasons why Google Reviews are important.

1. Increased Visibility: Google Reviews appear alongside your business in search results, making your business more visible.
2. Credibility: Positive reviews establish trust and credibility with potential customers.
3. Improved Search Rankings: Businesses with multiple positive reviews are more likely to rank higher in search results.
4. Customer Feedback: Reviews provide valuable insights into customer experiences, helping businesses identify areas for improvement.