About 72% of consumers who search for a local business visit that store within 24 hours. Another 80% of local mobile searches end with an in-store purchase. With a Google Maps marketing strategy, you can reach these customers and attract them to your store.

As you strengthen your marketing strategy, you can boost brand awareness and recognition. Consumers will start to realize your business is nearby and explore your offerings. As you generate more foot traffic, you can boost leads and sales, too.

In fact, marketing with Google Maps benefits your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy as well.

Do you want to reach more local customers in 2021? Here are the Google Maps marketing tips you need to succeed. By learning more about Google Maps, you can set your business up for success.

Read on to learn more!

Table of Contents

What is Google Maps Marketing?

First, it helps to understand a little more about Google Maps marketing.

You can use Google Maps marketing as part of your existing SEO marketing strategy. In fact, Google Maps can support your local search engine optimization plans.

Local SEO allows you to appear in front of nearby customers who are looking for your product or service. Let’s say someone searches for a “pediatric dentist in Miami, FL.” Google will show local results on its map.

The top three businesses that appear on Google Maps are called the 3-Pack. Appearing on the 3-Pack can help you stand out from local businesses. You can boost your brand awareness and appear as a credible resource in your industry.

Other businesses will appear on the map as well. However, the 3-Pack listings stand out. These listing show business information like the company’s:

Name
Website
Phone number
Directions
Five-star rating
Business category
Address
Hours

With a Google Maps marketing strategy, you can ensure your business shows up in the 3-Pack. You won’t appear as one of a dozen tiny red dots on Google’s map. Instead, your business will take up prominent space on a Google search engine results page (SERP).

The Google map appears at the top of SERPs. Consumers won’t have to scroll around to find your business. Instead, they’ll see your business before anyone else’s.

If you want to boost brand awareness and expand your reach, you need to learn how to market with Google Maps.

Google Maps Benefits

Marketing on Google Maps can take a lot of time and effort, especially if you lack experience. You might think it’s not worth your time. What Google Maps benefits can you expect to experience by boosting your ranking?

Here are a few benefits to consider before you decide whether or not to add Google Maps marketing to your SEO strategy.

Attract Quality Leads

Over 90% of activity online begins with a search engine like Google. Meanwhile, nearly 50% of these searches are location-based.

As an added bonus, search engines generate 300% more traffic for websites than social media. In fact, about 15% of SEO leads become sales.

Traditional outbound strategies like print ads, on the other hand, only have a 2% conversion rate.

If you’re struggling to attract traffic to your website or store, consider using Google Maps. A strong strategy can help you accomplish both. Improving your SEO ranking will help you draw more people to your website or storefront.

Better yet, these people are already looking for your business. You won’t have to convince them that they need your product or service. At the same time, you won’t have to worry about attracting low-quality leads.

Google works by showing consumers search results based on their wants and needs. Google’s search algorithm is getting better at understanding the consumer’s search intent. This allows the search engine to display the best results for its users.

With a Maps marketing strategy, you can appear in front of the people who need your business. As you improve your ranking, you’ll appear in front of even more consumers. Your online visibility will increase as a result.

In time, you’ll boost brand awareness and recognition. People will know to associate your product or service with your business. The next time they need you, they’ll Google you by name.

Then, you can generate more leads. You can even turn one-time shoppers into loyal customers to improve your ROI.

Boost Your Brand

How much do people know about your business? Consumers aren’t likely to trust a company they’ve never heard of. Ranking higher on Google Maps benefits your brand’s reputation.

You can show consumers you’re a relevant, helpful resource in your industry. Ranking ahead of the competition can even improve your credibility. Consumers will recognize you as a go-to resource.

Consumers who want to learn more about you can use your Google My Business (GMB) listing. There, they can find reviews from customers who love your business. Customer reviews can help on-the-fence consumers find a reason to trust you.

Then, you can turn those consumers into happy customers!

In time, you can generate brand trust and loyalty. Retaining customers can save you valuable time and money.

You can find new ways to build your brand identity here.

Appear Where Customers Are

Do you want to reach your target audience? You’ll need to appear where your customers are already spending their time. Otherwise, outbound strategies like cold calling can feel disruptive and annoying.

You can use Google Maps marketing to appear in front of your customers at an opportune time.

In fact, almost 70% of customers check their phones within 15 minutes of getting out of bed. People rely on their phones every day to:

Research brands
Learn more about products and services
Get product recommendations
Read online reviews
Get directions to nearby stores

If someone is trying to learn more about your business, they can use your Google My Business listing. Your listing will help them find your phone number or directions to your store. With Google Maps marketing, you’re providing customers with the ease and convenience they need.

Then, you can reach your local customers the next time they’re on-the-go and searching for your business.

You can even use Google Maps advertising while people are already in your store. Over 80% of smartphone users check their phones from a store before they shop. Providing consumers with the information they need can help them make more informed buying decisions.

They can learn about your business and realize you have a high-quality product or service. Then, they’ll make a decision to choose your brand.

We consult our phones every day, whether we’re out-and-about or on the couch. Learning how to market with Google Maps is essential if you want to reach customers. You can maximize how often you appear in front of your customers.

In fact, Google sometimes shows local results based on where the smartphone user is located. If you want to reach these customers, you need to strategize.

Appearing when they need you most can increase your chances of making a sale.

Improve Your ROI

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising can get costly, especially if you lack experience. PPC ads allow you to appear on search engines and social media platforms. Each time someone clicks on an ad, you’ll pay for the click.

You can learn about the difference between SEO and PPC here.

Unfortunately, paid advertising materials like billboards and flyers can eat away at your budget. Instead, consider using Google Maps. Google Maps allows you to take a cost-effective approach.

In fact, you can make your GMB listing for free. Now you have a free means of advertising your business.

With Google Maps advertising, you can save money, make money, and boost your ROI.

How to Market With Google Maps

Now that you know more about Google Maps benefits, let’s get you on the map. Here’s everything you need to know about how to market with Google Maps.

First, you’ll need to sign into your business Google account. Confirm it’s the same account you use for your Google My Business listing. If you don’t have a GMB listing yet, make one!

Sometimes, Google will automatically make a listing for you. Make sure to claim your business before someone else does.

Next, visit your Google My Business page and manage your account. Look over your listing to make sure your information is up-to-date.

You’ll need to verify your business next. You can complete the verification process using snail mail, by phone, or through email.

You can also use your Google Search Console for instant business verification. If you have multiple locations, you’ll need to use the Bulk option.

Business Attributes

You can also strengthen your GMB listing by considering your business attributes.

Google used to allow businesses to write a brief business description. When businesses started stuffing keywords into their descriptions, Google decided on a different approach. Instead of a description, consider the attributes that are relevant to your business.

For example, is your business kid-friendly? Do you offer free WiFi? What about covered parking?

Focus on business attributes that offer your customers ease and convenience. These attributes can set you apart from your competitors. There’s no competitive advantage too small!

High-Quality Images

People prefer having tangible proof about a business. A GMB listing without images could seem sketchy. Instead, you can optimize your GMB listing for more effective Google Maps marketing.

When consumers see photos of your business, they’ll feel more comfortable about trusting you. After all, no one wants to drive to a business in a creepy lot.

Think like your customers.

What do they want to see? What imagery will help draw them to your business?

Make sure to use high-quality, professional photos. A blurry image could scare customers away. You’ll also fail to provide customers with the information they need.

You can show customers photos of your storefront. Make sure your storefront looks inviting. Try to include an image of your sign.

You can use imagery to create a visual tour of your business, too. Walk through your storefront or give people a product demo. You can even add videos to your listing to keep people engaged.

Video content can grab the consumer’s attention and help you stand apart from competitors.

Make sure to use interior and exterior photos when updating your listing.

Happy Reviews

Almost 90% of customers trust online reviews as much as a recommendation from a friend. You can improve your brand’s reputation by adding customer reviews to your GMB listing.

Ask your happy customers to post their reviews on your listing. You can add a QR code to your receipts prompting customers to post reviews, too. Don’t forget to add a convenient button to your website to direct people to your listing.

Find as many opportunities as you can to encourage customers to post their reviews.

Once they start posting, comment back. Answer their questions and let customers know you’re listening.

If you receive negative comments, don’t delete them. Instead, respond calmly. Assure customers you’ll take their concerns into account as you make improvements.

These responses can help improve your customer service strategy.

Regular Posts

It’s not enough to use these Google Maps marketing tips once. Instead, remain consistent with your marketing strategy.

For example, you can keep your GMB listing refreshed with new content by posting information regularly. Talk about your services or tease your new products. When a new product is available, post a direct link to your website.

Google will notice your content is fresh and up-to-date.

Keep an eye out for any algorithm updates, too. Google changes its algorithm throughout the year. Keeping up with Google’s changes can help you recognize new opportunities for your marketing strategy.

Consider scheduling an SEO audit to make sure your strategy is up-to-date.

Google Maps Marketing: Your Guide to Standing Out on the Map

Learning how to market with Google Maps can set your business up for long-term success. With a strong Google Maps marketing strategy, you can boost your online ranking. Once you reach the 3-Pack, more customers will see your business than ever before.

Eager to boost your brand awareness this year? We can help.

Discover our complete SEO management services today to get started.

Your Guide to Google Maps Marketing

What is Google Maps Marketing?