How to set up your google maps listing and optimize it to appear higher.
Number 1 rule for google maps optimization
1. DON’T TREAT GOOGLE AS MUGS
Search Engine Optimisation can be broken in to 3 categories;
- White Hat SEO – Work within the google webmaster guidelines.
- Grey Hat SEO – Slightly bend the google webmaster guidelines.
- Black Hat SEO – Completely ignore the google webmaster guidelines.
The big difference between GMO and SEO
With SEO a slight element of grey hat is generally acceptable, GMO (Google Maps Optimisation) must always be kept white hat, but with an element of creativity.
A perfect example of this is Page Titles, as anyone with any knowledge of SEO will know the Page Title is probably the most important factor in on page optimizing.
Whilst keyword stuffing titles isn’t recommended, it is important that you include your keyword within the title of the page, for an example an Essex based Carpenter would probably use a page title like,
“Essex Carpenters providing a range of carpentry services throughout Essex”
Knowing how important page titles are you would think the title of a google maps listing would use this same procedure, but no. Google frowns upon businesses using keywords and locations in the title of local business center listings and the guidelines are very strict that the title should be the same as the business name,
“Represent your business exactly as it appears in the offline world. The name on Google Maps should match the business name, as should the address, phone number and website.
Do not attempt to manipulate search results by adding extraneous keywords or a description of your business into the business name.
Do not include phone numbers or URLs in the business name.”
Above xtract from Business Listing Quality Guidelines
But lots of businesses manipulate Local Business Center, Why can’t we?
The big difference between optimising a website and setting up google local business center listings is the fact to set up a proper listing you need to have a google account and breaking the terms and conditions can see you lose this account.
Imagine if you lost your whole google account, including’ AdSense, AdWords, Gmail and other google services, just for the sake of manipulating maps listing, not a nice thought.
OK, it’s not wise to manipulate google local business center, what can we do then?
Rather than looking for ways to trick Google Maps we advise you follow the guidelines and use them to your advantage, don’t look for short cuts, spend time setting up your listing, keep your listing updated and encourage clients/customers to interact with you and your google maps listing.
Optimizing Google Maps Listings
Contact us for further information about Google Maps Optimization