This is an increasingly popular topic in the local business SEO industry. For many local search terms, Google will display 7 local results above the regular 10 organic results. This is what is referred to as the Google Maps A to G listing. I have included a screen shot of this that you can see.
Being included in this listing is equally if not more important as having high organic results for local keywords. The reason for this is because it is displayed about the organic results in most cases. If you are wondering how to get your business on Google Maps, you’ll first need to make sure you exist within the system.
How to add your business and website to Google Maps
Adding your business website to Google Maps is as simple as creating a Google Places listing. This process can take up to a couple weeks so I suggest you do it sooner than later when launching a new website or business. The reason for the delay is because Google will send you a PIN that you will need to enter to verify your business and address.
Once you have created the Google Places account and completed the verification process, your website will start appearing in Google Maps. However, it doesn’t end here. There are ways that you can increase your changes of being listed in the A to G listings.
Optimizing your Google Maps and Google Places listing
When it comes to Google Places SEO there are a few things that really help boost your ranking in the A to G listing. Most of these things can be done quite quickly on your own and will help with whatever local SEO initiative you are running.
Get links from local business directories
The more Google associates your website with the specific town or city that you compete in, the more likely you are to show up in the local business listings. One of the great ways to do this is to get listings from local business directories, such as a city listing of businesses or the local chamber of commerce directory.
Cite your address on other websites
Wherever possible, include your address when you link back to your website. For example if the local directories allow you to include a description, be sure to add you address as well. This way Google will associate your business and website with the address and you are more likely to be shown on the A to G list. You don’t need to use the address as the anchor text, just try to include it wherever possible if it looks natural.
Promote your Google Places page on your website to get reviews
Have a link to your Google Places page on your website. You should be able to find the URL in your Google Places account – it will be in the following format: http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?cid=#########. It is also very beneficial to encourage customers and visitors to leave their reviews of your business on your page.
Follow good organic SEO practices for your website
The higher your website ranks in the organic search results for local keywords, the more likely your site will be included in the Google Maps list. Promote your website to get back links and make sure your on page content is optimized well and the listings will follow.
As always, remember to be patient. Good things don’t happen over night.
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