How to Optimize Your Google Maps Listing

January 27, 2009 // Author: Jacob Stoops // 1,047 views // View Comments

Tips to help you optimize your Google Maps listing.

In my last article, “The Importance of Local Search,” I discussed just how vital it is for brick-and-mortar businesses as well as retail chains to control and manage their local listings in such places as Google Maps, Yahoo Local, etc. Many business owners overlook this avenue when considering the allocation of their time and resources as regards to search engine marketing.

On the other hand, many biz owners do a great job of making sure that they have control over their local search listings. In fact, many business listings are well constructed and really need no extra push. If you think this is your listing, then good work! However, if you’re a biz owner and you have no clue how to manage your own listing, read on…

*This article will make the assumption that you are either about to or have already signed up for a listing, therefore I will skip the initial steps on getting into Google’s Local Business Center.

Step 1: Optimizing Your Core Business Information

This will be your most important step and will be highly responsible in how sticky your Google Maps listing will be in the search results. If you do all other steps wrong after this, make sure you get this one right.

Company/Organization

This spot will be your biggest hitter in terms of local search optimization, and will be an important tool to get your site to show up in the Local SERPs. Treat this as not only a spot to place your company name, but as a spot to use effective keywords.

It is especially important that you use the keywords that you wish to show up for (this is assuming you’ve already researched which keywords are most effective for you to target). You only have between 45-50 character spaces before the title is cut off in the SERPs, so use your space wisely.

A good way to do it:
Sign Shop: Signs & Banners

A bad way to do it:
Sign Shop: Signs, Banners, Graphics, Wall Logos, Car Wraps

Try not to just spam keywords, but use them wisely. Hopefully, your business name includes some of your target keywords. If not, just be careful as you may get your hand slapped for spamming too many keywords.

Street Address, City, ST, Zip

Be very careful when filling out this information. Be sure that all information you enter here is correct or Google will not accept your listing. Listings sometimes take a very long time to show, so if you’ve completed your listing with incorrect address information, you may not find out about your error for weeks.

Main Phone, Email Address

Simply enter in the phone number and email that you would like to display with your listing.

Website

IMPORTANT! Enter the web address you wish to display. Remember, you are trying to gain more exposure to your website. If you forget this step you will be hijacking the whole process.

Description

Enter a nice description of your business that covers your services. You have 200 character spaces, so feel free to use them all. Be sure to include your target keyword(s) at least once here.

2. Claim Your Old Listing or Add New Listing

You can do one of two things:

Claim your old business listing & edit the old listing information.
Add a new listing. You are allowed to submit multiple listings for one location. In fact, this is a good way to target additional keywords.

3. Set Your Categories

You have the power to set the categories where your Google Maps listing will be included. This is another step that is often overlooked, but is very important. You can place your business in up to 5 categories. Google Maps offers a great category search feature so that you can find the categories that best fit your needs.

It is super important for your primary category to be the most accurate category for your business. The remained subsidiary categories should be used to account for all of your other service descriptions. Use as many categories as you feel necessary, but I would recommend using all 5 if it applies.

4. Additional

In this screen you have additional options to enhance your Google Maps listing. It is entirely up to you whether you decide to use any of the additional options, however there is a great advantage if you can in that it promotes more user interactivity with your listing.

Add Your Hours of Operation.
Add Payment Options
Add Additional Details

5. Add Videos &amp: Photos

Adding videos and photos to your Google Local Business Listing can go a long way towards making you stand out from your potential competition. Adding a video or a photo is a great way to show potential visitors just what you’re all about!

6. Submit Your Completed Listing

Now that you’ve done all this great work, you must verify that your listing information is correct and submit. Google Maps now asks you to verify your listing in one of two ways (unless you submit as part of a mass data sheet):

Verify via Postcard.
Verify via Phone.

As part of each verification process, Google Maps will include your pin to verify your listing. You must get the pin and enter it in your Local Business Center under your new account. After that has been recieved and entered in, your Google Maps listing will go live and begin to show up in search results.

Remember, I’ve gone into deep cover & to retrieve this secretive information. Don’t let my search engine espionage go to waste!

Tags: Google Maps, Local Search, Local Search Optimization, Search Engine Optimization, SEO Tips

Like This Post? Why Not Share it.

If you like this post, then you might like these as well!

Kenny

wau, what a nice topic.. Tx u.
SEO SEATTLE LLC

I found this information regarding Google Maps helpful...

Thank You!
Joanne

I am a wedding photographer and need advice on uploading the photos. It keeps telling me they are too large and Ive resized them over and over again, still being rejected. Any advice please?
Jacob Stoops

I would suggest trying maybe to reduce the resolution of the image to 72 DPI - if that still doesn't work, try making the image smaller until it's gets in under the file-size restrictions.
Matt

Good post. I have done all of these items and more and yet I still can not get my listing to appear better than in 40 - 50 range. Any ideas? My keywords are "window cleaning phoenix, window cleaning scottsdale, window washing phoenix, etc."
Jacob Stoops

Well...Local Search algorithms work a bit different and depend a lot on your address and it's relation to the united states post office's definition of the center of the city. Also, it is important to add your site to proper categories and give a good description of your company. Try filling out as much of the info as possible, including pictures, associations, etc...

Also, I'm pretty sure getting reviews helps move you up. Plus, like anything else in SEO, it takes time...
Kirk Wilson

Jacob,

I did a google search to find ot how to get a better ranking on my maps business listing...excitedly, I clicked on your blog, only for the text to not be downloaded.

Could you be a star and email me what you wrote.

Kirk
Mable

Very informative posts.

You have nicely covered the whole concept of Google Maps Optimization.

Keep it up...bless you!!

Thanks!!
Mable