A common question we’re asked by clients is how can they improve their rankings for Google Maps local searches?
Having analysed many listings, in my opinion the main factors to Google Maps listings in the UK are as follows:
- 1) Proximity to location – The closer your registered business address is in distance to the centre of a town or city, the more relevant Google will find your listing to a locational search.
- 2) Keywords within company name – Using product/service keywords within a business name appears to be a very important factor towards obtaining an improved Google Maps ranking.
- 3) Categories selected – Being listed in a relevant or closely related category to a keyword can make an impact. Keeping the number of categories selected concise should also improve the likelihood of being listed for relevant searches.
- 4) Local telephone numbers – This may be coincidental, but I’ve noticed local telephone numbers such as 01865 (Oxford) appear to outrank listings which use 0845 style of numbers. I’ve just updated the SEOptimise listing so will test this out.
- 5) Having a full profile/reviews – Listings which use images, descriptions and contain reviews generally appear to rank well in Google Maps. A high number of positive reviews is also likely to have an influence.
- 6) Locational information on website – Ensuring your website address details correspond with the companies Google Maps listing.
- 7) Strong SEO – This doesn’t appear to be of high importance at the moment, but as the Google Maps algorithm develops we may see the relevancy and quality of a website’s content and link popularity becoming a major factor.
If you’re feeling sneaky you could always add a slightly inacurrate business name, so that it contains important keywords, and register a PO Box address located in the centre of your city! ;)
Kevin Gibbons is Founder/Director of Strategy at SEOptimise. Kevin is well known within the search industry as a blogger for sites such as Search Engine Land, Econsultancy and Search Engine Watch. Kevin is also a frequent SEO speaker at a number of conferences including Search Marketing Expo (SMX), Search Engine Strategies (SES), a4uexpo, SAScon and BrightonSEO.
Keywords within company name –
I think this is one of the more important ones – and god knows why – most businesses dont use keywords in their business name, but I have seen improvements by using it. A Website keyword match also “seems” to help.
Thanks for a very useful article Kevin – I’ve “Sphunn” it (is that the right word for giving it a vote on Sphinn?)
Great to see UK-specific SEO articles (especially local search)
Cheers, Jon
These factors form Google Maps listings are not only relevant in the UK. They also count for other regions. Especially the first three are also the most important for google.de
Thanks Kevin. I’d be very interested in hearing more about the relevancy of listing local telephone numbers. The idea certainly makes sense. Local phone numbers are difficult for spammers to fake and are also used by Google as a confirmation method.
yup nice article on SEO UK i found after very long time special article for UK region i also recommended if you set geographical region specify in webmaster tools get some help for ranking in UK!!!
Thanks for the info, I have a good ranking for my keywords for my area but a really poor google maps presence.
Thanks for the article, its suprising how many companies dont bother with google maps!
Hi Kevin, can you tell me is it possible anyway to get my site always in top in local business listing at Google. I got my site at top but it gone away and since last three month my site is not there any more. Please suggest something….