Use Google Maps to Attract Local Customers

You have probably used Google Maps before to find a local company. And you may even have your own Google maps business profile up (if not, go to www.google.com/places or search for “Google my business” if they’ve changed the name again).

But have you optimized your Google maps listing (and don’t forget Bing maps. Bing may have fewer people on it, but Microsoft’s search engine is gaining traction)? I mean, have you optimized it for local customers?

Here are some things you must do in Google (and Bing) maps to attract local customers:

1. Put in an accurate address. You wouldn’t believe how many people put the wrong address in their Google maps, but customers aren’t going to find you if they don’t know where to go.
2. Add in your business hours. COVID-19 taught us how few people pay attention to their maps listings. The listing would show open 9-5, M-F, but the shop had been closed for two months. One simple update could have saved customers time and frustration.
3. Verify your listing. Your listing won’t show until you verify it, make sure you do that.
4. Optimize your products and services. Don’t just put the names of your products and services, add a description. Be sure to add your city name to it also. It doesn’t hurt to put “the best Tacoma SEO” (or change that to your product/service). But don’t spam the description with 10-15 city names, Google may block your listing (and that’s not a good thing).

Want to know the number 1 way to use Google to attract local customers? Click here to find out when my Local SEO 101 for 2021 Webinar will be available next.