Google Maps Optimization

With Google replacing the Yellow Pages for the majority of consumers, having your Google Maps listing properly optimized is critical

If you have spent any time doing research on Google for services in your hometown, you have undoubtedly seen the Google Maps results. When someone searches Google for a dentist they will include their city & possibly state – for example “dentist Mobile, AL”.

When the location is added to a search Google will usually serve up their Maps listing, also known as the Google 7 Pack. The Maps generally show up at the top of the search results or just below the first few PPC ads and above the organic search results.

A few statistics to consider:

• 82% of local searchers follow up offline via an onsite visit, phone call or purchase (TMP / comScore study)

• 74% of internet users perform local searches (Kelsey Group)

• 73% of online activity is related to local content (Google)

• 61% of local searches result in purchases (TMP / comScore)

If you haven’t already claimed your Maps listing in the Google Local Business Center, do so right away. Once claimed, you need to optimize it so your listing shows up in the 7 Pack.

If you need help with this, we would humbly like to say that we are pretty darn good at it. We were among the less than 1% of businesses nationwide to receive the Google Maps Favorite Places award. You can read about it by clicking here:  Google Maps award