3 Free Ways to Increase Your Business’s Local Google Maps Ranking and Exposure Today

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) and how Google uses signals from it
Google’s algorithm has one main goal: to show searchers the best and most relevant sources and information available. Hundreds of signals go into how Google’s algorithm determines “the most relevant” sources and information, and Google doesn’t disclose what those are.

That makes improving your rankings and exposure nothing but a guessing game. They do disclose “best practices” and the ways they encourage webmasters and business owners to behave, but again, there are no concrete steps or actions here.

This is because if they shared the different factors affecting search engine rankings and which ones matter the most, marketers and SEO agencies would manipulate the rankings for their clients.

This would result in situations where the “better business/source” doesn’t get the exposure it deserves because a marketing agency working for a competitor manipulated the signals the algorithm uses to get their client to the top spot.

That’s not a great system, and Google keeps things secret for a reason.

Related: 8 Tips to Achieve a High Google Ranking

Using the data and testing from reputable marketing agencies or marketers
One thing you can do is follow and listen to reputable marketing agencies and marketers who can test different approaches and get a sense of what drives improvements in search rankings versus what doesn’t.

Because they work with dozens, or maybe hundreds, of businesses, they have a vast data source and the ability to test strategies and see what works better.

At my marketing agency, we often spot strategies that are working well, and sometimes really well. Our goal is not to manipulate search results in an unethical way; it is to understand which strategies work well so we can help our clients focus on them and improve their exposure for the excellent services they offer.

Now, let’s get into the 3 things you can do starting today to improve your results.

1. Fully optimize your GBP

How long has it been since you checked all our business info in your listing? Whetherit’ss been a while or not, our data shows that Google prefers businesses that use their listings to the fullest and provide as much info as possible.

Log in to your GBP
Go to “edit business info.”
Take a look at the available sections, like about, services, your hours, and any reviews you haven’t seen.
Update any sections with minimal info,o and fill in any empty ones with good information that mentions your services and location to boost local relevance.
Respond to any unanswered reviews. Google prefers active profiles that are engaging with their clients and customers. Responding quickly to new reviews is a great way to show you are active.

Related:  10 Essential Tips To Completely Optimize Your Google Business Profile

2. Add or update your business photos

Check your pictures and make sure you have the basics: your logo, photos of the office or location, and team pictures, if you can (you should).
Whether you have all those photos or not, it’s time for an update. As we’ve mentioned, Google prefers active businesses. Consistently adding photos is another signal that you are active, and it helps potential clients see more about your business.
You can post any pictures here, such as team members, the office, your services on the job, or your product. Grab a recent photo and post it. Do that once a week.

Related: 8 Simple Ways to Make Social Media Work for Your Business

3. Ask a recent client for a review

Reviews are not only a great way to build trust and show that your clients are happy, resulting in more eyeballs on your business, but they are also a strong signal to Google that you are actively providing excellent service to happy clients.

Think of a recent client or customer who was happy with your business
Take the link from Google where it says “ask for reviews” and copy it
Send a personalized text or email to the client, letting them know that a written review of their experience would mean a lot to you and your team. Paste the link, hit send. They’ll likely agree and leave a review, but sometimes people forge. After a few days, send a follow-up if needed.
Congrats! You’ve just tapped into the algorithm.
With those actions, you’ve made a few powerful zaps to Google’s algorithm, and they will notice. Now, if you want them to really see, do this weekly or twice a week for 3-4 months, then come back and tell me how much more traffic you’re getting.

Related: 10 Essential Tips To Completely Optimize Your Google Business Profile