1300 650 274
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO, Google Places & Google Maps
A local Google Map is an important element of your businesses online strategy
Local SEO involves making your business visible to searchers who are looking for your service in your locality. Securing a listing on Google Places is one positive step towards improved visibility locally. Google Places uses Google’s Map technology to identify the physical location of businesses all over the world, which facilitates more accurate search results for local businesses for a given search term.
Put simply, Google Maps is a web-based mapping application from search engine giant Google which offers street maps, route plans and satellite imagery to internet searchers. Google’s local business maps (commonly referred to now as Google Places) is the new local business map listing which relies on Google Maps technology and enables global businesses to present their contact details, physical location address and other details which are pin-pointed on a local street map.
Businesses listed on the Google’s local business map directory are visible through various platforms including the new integrated Google Places and web search; Google Maps; Mobile search; Google Earth and through Google’s voice recognition software.
Why claim a Google Local Map listing for your business?
Extensive research has demonstrated that people in Australia, and worldwide generally, like to research global and shop local. The internet has emerged as the quickest way to find information but your local retailer is still the fastest way to shop – so merging both systems offers the best of both worlds!
A local Google Map listing is free and it is another means of increasing the visibility of your business online. Even as a stand-alone marketing tool, Googlemaps is an extremely useful online business locator but as part of an integrated online marketing strategy it can be successfully used to improve your organic search listings.
As Google has now integrated local maps (Google Places) into its web search results, it is now more important than ever to have a detailed local business map listing – as many search results in the new format are returned with map listings invariably ranking ahead of businesses without maps.
An Optimised Google Places Listing in invaluable for any business
What do I need to do to claim a local business listing on Google Maps?
Firstly, check if you have a local business map listing. It is a possibility that Google has already created one for you by referring to trusted third party websites like Yellow Pages to gather your information.
If you do not have a local map listing you will need to log into your Google or G-Mail account (or create one) and submit the relevant information before verifying the map through the available list of options.
It is worth bearing in mind that the more information you provide in your business listing, the more valuable it will be in terms of improving the rankings and overall visibility of your site. Details including physical street address and contact details are required, while customer reviews are of significant value when it comes to how Google views your listing.
The common perception at present is that Google prioritises the quantity of quality customer reviews in how it ranks local map listings, so enticing customers to leave regular feedback on your Google Maps listing is a positive step.
Get local traffic with a local Google business map
Get Found on Google Maps
Generating web traffic is an excellent way to promote and market your business and facilitate growth but some businesses make the mistake of thinking the web is a global phenomenon which is hard to tap into. In reality, the greatest opportunity for qualified sales leads comes from local traffic – placing your business in sight of your nearest customers. Online searchers want to see the nearest businesses for their searches so it makes sense to have a local business map.
To learn more about local Google maps and how they can help your business, call roi.com.au today on 1300 650 274.
