Google Maps Marketing can strengthen your business in so many ways. For instance, mobile devices, including phones and tablets, are more popular than ever. More than a billion people are using mobile maps to get the information they need. 

Need to find an Italian restaurant nearby? Are you looking for a gas station as you travel in an unfamiliar city? Need to find five fun things within a 30-mile radius this weekend? 

These are just a few of the reasons today’s consumers are using their phones to find out. It’s usually Google Maps providing them with the information they need. This is because it’s right at the consumers’ fingertips.

This is a huge opportunity for local businesses looking to find new customers and sell more products. If any business depends on a regional or local customer base, it is very important to take advantage of Google’s online directories. 

Not only are there a host of advertising possibilities, but there are also tools to analyze the area’s market and consumer behaviours and coordinate store staffing and scheduling needs. It’s no secret that Google is serious about consumer searching, both on the Internet and in the brick-and-mortar marketplace. 

And businesses should be, too. Here are 10 reasons why getting on the map is important.

With over 1 billion monthly active users, Google Maps has become vital for local businesses looking to drive website traffic, phone calls and in-store visits. Optimizing your Google My Business listing provides an incredible opportunity to connect with local searchers and boost foot traffic. This comprehensive guide will explore how to:

• Claim and verify your Google My Business listing
• Fill out and update key details like images, descriptions, products/services, and hours.
• Generate positive reviews and respond appropriately
• Create engaging posts to share news and events.
• Drive website traffic through calls-to-action in listings
• Follow Local SEO best practices like citation consistency
• Analyze performance with Google Posts Insights
• Compare paid vs organic Google options like ads

Benefits of Google Maps Marketing:

• 77% of searches on mobile have local intent
• 46% of searches result in same-day visits to a business
• 76% of people who find a local business on their smartphone visit the store within 24 hours

1. Google Maps Marketing: Generates Local Business

Today’s phone books, newspapers, and other directories are all online. Not on the countertop. The average American consumer, for that matter, has a mobile device they use to find everything, from the spelling of a word to the nearest Asian marketplace. 

Yes, face-to-face contact and using local media are important, but studies suggest that consumers will first look for information about a company online. Using Google Maps will attract and generate more local business. 

Consumers will find and do business with companies they find through Google searches.

2. Google Maps Marketing: Strengthens Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a term for getting organic, editorial search results on search engines like Google. 

It’s a good marketing strategy to add detailed company information to Google Maps Marketing, including a link to your website. 

Google focuses on local searches instead of similar businesses nationally or statewide, so a local company will more likely be listed higher on a search if a location is listed for that category. 

And, if you add company content to your business listing instead of using the default information, a company’s chances of ranking higher increase even more. It’s a free service and can make a huge difference in your local business. 

Local searches increasingly feature what’s known as a local pack. This block contains a few potential local businesses that meet the search query. Keeping your map information up to date helps your chances of being featured in this.

Say you’re looking for a hotdog in your local area. You might see the following:

Many businesses aren’t taking advantage of all Google Maps offers, so get ahead of the competition, create a complete profile, and keep it current.

For businesses eyeing Google Maps as a powerful tool for local SEO but looking beyond improving GMB profiles and map listings, understanding the mechanics behind Google Maps email extraction offers a groundbreaking advantage. This advanced approach allows businesses to discover potential leads by collecting emails from business listings, presenting a cost-effective strategy to connect directly with interested customers.

3. Google Maps Marketing: Strengthens Consumer’s Trust

Since consumers search for products and services differently than when the local newspaper, Yellow Pages, and other print media were in vogue, search engine marketing, such as Google Maps, is more important than ever. 

Being listed online builds and strengthens trust among consumers. 

It’s important to stand out from the crowd while being a part of it. Sharing information about a company via a website or a listing on Google Maps is valuable to local success, whether or not you have an e-commerce site.

4. Increase Brand Awareness 

Local businesses have a huge opportunity to increase their brand’s visibility using Google Maps marketing. For example, doing a local search for a restaurant, retailer, or any other location becomes almost entertainment itself. 

It’s even easier and better to search Maps than a regular web search. A wealth of colourful logos, photos, and other “reel me in” content pops up and fills the page with helpful information. This exposure increases brand awareness and solidifies the company’s presence in the local area. 

Google Maps understands the importance of making the search as easy as possible, and it does so for consumers and businesses alike.

5. Keep Information Updated and Current

There is always information on the Internet that may not be exactly correct. Businesses must make sure their listings are updated so consumers are getting the right information. 

For example, suppose a business takes over a location previously owned by another or moves from one location to another. In that case, the listing’s content must be updated so consumers are getting the correct information. 

Ensure the address, open hours, website, name, etc., are always current. Outdated information is not good for customer service or business.

6. Google Maps Marketing: Get Listed For Free

Listing company information on Google Maps is free. It’s free to list a company and its information on Google Maps. Why is it free? Because Google wants consumers to spend more time on Google platforms like Gmail, Docs and Drive. 

Advertisers pay per click in Google’s world, and the bottom line is that it is good for Google, the business, and the consumer. Google Maps marketing is a win-win.

7. Get Google And Get Going 

Google Platforms are an important part of any marketing strategy or content program. Companies need to make sure they are mobile responsive and user friendly to take advantage of all Google free offerings, do research, and know the paid options. 

Google is the future of search, SEO, and content. Adding their platforms to your business strategy is important to your success in the future and to putting your business on the map.

8. Catch Google’s Blog

We live and do business in an ever-changing world, and Google’s world moves faster than ever. Google’s platforms are improving and updating constantly, so they have a Google Blog to keep users updated. 

This blog focuses on changes and updates but is entertaining, too. Business owners need a few minutes to escape from everyday tasks and responsibilities, and their blog can offer a few minutes of escape. 

Simultaneously, it informs the reader of a wealth of information, including how to benefit from Google’s platforms greatly.

9. Build Longer Lasting Consumer Relationships

By properly setting up a business on Google Maps and constantly monitoring consumer activity, companies can build a loyal customer base and continue to nurture that customer base. 

This is valuable feedback and important market research/consumer behaviour information that can be used to improve products and services. Google allows consumers and businesses to interact by leaving reviews and commenting on them.

This allows a relationship to form, grow and convert visitors into customers. Quality, positive reviews from consumers improve visibility, too, as well as increase the potential of a new customer visiting a location they read about via a review. Quality, positive review examples from consumers improve visibility, too, as well as increase the potential of a new customer visiting a location they read about via a review.

10. Google Maps Marketing: Add Supporting Photos

Savvy marketers will use Google Maps to the fullest, including adding content, photos of products, and location shots to show potential customers what a business offers and how it is better than its competitors. 

Content is crucial in today’s online strategy, and photos speak volumes. Google must verify businesses before photos can be uploaded. There are five types of photos: profile, preferred logo, cover photo, and additional photos.

Google Maps Marketing: Claiming your Listing:

• Search for your business name on Google Maps to see if a listing exists. If not, click “Add your business” on the map.
• If a listing exists, click “Claim this business” and follow the prompts to verify ownership through mail, email, phone or postcard verification.
• You may need to edit the business name or address if it is inaccurate.
• Use a Google account that has permission to manage the GMB listing.

Filling out your profile:

• Add your business category and services offered. Be as detailed as possible.
• Upload a business logo with quality photos of the storefront, interior, and products/services.
• Thoroughly fill in the address, phone number, website, hours open. Indicate special hours if relevant.
• Add a detailed business description covering your offer, history, and differentiators.
• Include payment options, parking details, menus and pricing if applicable.
• Mark amenities like wheelchair access, delivery options, and languages spoken.
• Link to other social profiles like Facebook so they populate in the GMB listing.

Optimizing your profile is key to being discovered by nearby searchers. Maintain your listing with current, robust info on offerings, store details and credentials.

Google Maps Marketing: FAQs

Q: Why is a Google My Business listing important?

A: It helps people find and connect with your local business. Appearing prominently on Google Maps and in local search results drives visits.

Q: How do I claim my GMB listing?

A: Search for your business on Google Maps. If it exists, click “Claim this business” or “Add your business.” Verify ownership to control the listing.

Q: What are the key details for optimizing my GMB profile?

A: Name, address, phone, website, hours, photos, services, amenities, detailed business description. The more complete, the better.

Q: How do I get reviews for my GMB listing?

A: Ask happy customers to leave reviews. Respond professionally. Reviews build trust and social proof. Offer incentives if needed.

Q: Should I create posts on my GMB listing?

A: Yes, posting news, events, and content engages visitors. Use Google Posts Insights for guidance. Vary post types – product features, behind-the-scenes, etc.

Google Maps Marketing: Conclusion

Optimizing your Google My Business listing is crucial to local SEO. Completing your profile with robust info builds visibility and trust for searchers. Drive website traffic by prominently featuring your site link and calls to action. Stay active on your listing by posting content and responding to reviews. Follow local SEO best practices as well, like consistent NAP and citations. Use GMB insights to refine your listing and posts over time. With a search-optimized listing that engages visitors, your business can maximize conversions from local searches.