Small business owners account for 99% of businesses in the United States. These small businesses are beginning to understand the importance of the internet in boosting their local reach and visibility. This realization has spiked an interest in their online presence as well as Google’s free business listing tool.
The Google Business Profile is a powerful online tool that has helped many small business owners convert locals into customers. By watching several web20 ranker video testimonials, many business owners have realized that it isn’t enough to have a business listing; it must also be optimized for improved performance.
Performance improvement can be measured in various ways, but ranking in the Google Map Pack is the most significant. Find out everything you need to know about Google Map Pack and the four strategies every small business needs to adopt to get there.
What is Google Map Pack?
The Google Map Pack is the prime real estate of local searches. The Map Pack represents the top three business listing recommendations that appear on Google Maps when conducting business-related searches.
As one can imagine, the top three positions are highly contested among businesses across their various industries. This is because searchers are more likely to click on local business recommendations for purchases.
Recent statistics revealed that over 67% of local searches end up in a purchase. This means local businesses in the top 3 positions will likely convert searchers to generate more revenue.
How Google Map Pack Promotes Businesses
Aside from the prime real estate position it occupies in search, Google Map Pack also promotes businesses by presenting relevant business information to searchers. The important information searchers see includes;
Visual Map
The Google Map Pack provides highlights to searchers on where the specific recommended business is located. Users can hover around the miniature visual map to see where each suggested business is located with respect to others.
Business Information
Local business owners understand the importance of correct business information. Google does too. The Google Map Pack presents relevant information about the business, including the business name, physical address, and phone number. Search engine users can easily call the business directly from their browser screen when they tap on the phone icon.
Overall Ratings and Reviews
Over 80% of buyers make decisions based on social proof like reviews and testimonials. Google understands this too and offers an overall rating on a scale of 5 as well as reviews left by other customers.
Business Industry and Age
The local map pack also offers information about the industry within which the business operates as well as the business age. This is important for searchers looking to hire experienced service providers for specific tasks.
Hours of Operation
The listing also provides specific hours within which the business operates. A “Closed” notification is shown for businesses that are closed or out of operational hours, while an “Open” notification will be displayed for businesses that are operational.
Pricing Information, Images, and Others
The local map pack can also show pricing information, images from the business owner and clients, as well as other important information provided by the profile. The additional information can help search engine users decide between available options.
4 Google Map Pack Optimization Strategies for Your Small & Local Business
Getting to the top of the map pack is highly competitive, especially because of the returns and revenue associated. Below are four strategies for optimizing your business listings for local map pack appearance.
View Your Business Profile from the Customer’s Point of View
Looking at your business listing from the customer’s point of view can give you a better insight as to what to add or remove from your profile. The goal is to make the profile as attractive and professional as possible. Consider what your target audience wants and give it to them.
Keep Your Listing Up to Date
Providing up-to-date information about your business is one of the best ways to convert search engine users. Up-to-date information can range from new announcements about promotions to visually stimulating media like pictures and short videos. You can also provide relevant information like guides to help customers find your in-store business or updates on changing hours.
Maintain Business Information Consistency
Using multiple business names can come off as a red flag to customers. It also lowers the level of trust and confidence in your brand or business. It is important to maintain consistent business information, including name, address, and phone number, across all your materials.
Ensure that your business name is spelled correctly and the addresses match.
Use Appealing Visuals
More local businesses are now using visually appealing media to reel customers in. You too can leverage this by selecting the best photos and videos of your business for your online profile.
Adopting the strategies above can significantly boost your chances of getting seen and scoring an engagement. Try them and experience improved revenue.
