In this article, our SEO consultant in Montreal explains how local SEO can now be an essential asset to speed up your store visits. We also offer you 6 essential steps to be well positioned on Google Maps.
Discover our SEO referencing prices if you wish to use our agency for your local referencing strategy.
What is local SEO?
Local SEO involves positioning your site among the top results of search engines for all whatsapp number list a local query (such as “pizza near me”) in order to attract people to your physical business.
When an Internet user searches for a nearby business, Google displays the local results that it considers most relevant to their search via the Google Maps tool. In order to appear in these results, it is important to optimize your local SEO.
google maps local search results
Why optimize your website for Google Maps?
1. Encourage Internet users to visit you
The first and probably most obvious reason to optimize your local SEO on Google Maps is the increased visibility and traffic you are likely to get from it. Indeed, the first three search results on Google collectively collect 60% of clicks . However, knowing that Google Maps results are displayed first in most local queries, it is crucial to appear there:
Local SEO Results Ranking
As you can see, the first organic result for this query only appears in fifth position, while the Google Maps results dominate the top portion of the page, attracting all the attention. Optimizing your local SEO allows you to move up in the results and capture a larger share of traffic.
2. Increase your in-store sales
Did you know that 78% of mobile local searches ultimately result in an in-store sale? Because they involve a notion of locality, these queries are more “qualified” than average and represent opportunities not to be missed.
Indeed, a user searching for a nearby business generally does so with the intention of going there and making a purchase. Indicating our presence on Google Maps greatly increases our chances not only of attracting them to the store but also of converting them into a customer.
3. Differentiate yourself from your competitors
According to a Google article , 76% of people with a purchase intention change their mind after their mobile search. In other words, having your business on Google Maps is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from your competitors and capture a larger market share.
Indeed, you can distinguish yourself from your competitors thanks to the information you offer on Google My Business, such as your opening hours or the number of positive reviews you have obtained. Conversely, if you do not appear on Google Maps, your customers are more likely to turn to your competitors. So do not take your local SEO lightly!
How does Google Maps determine the order of search results?
Google Maps uses three criteria to rank businesses that appear in search results:
1. The relevance of your business
Businesses that best match user queries are more likely to appear first on Google Maps. In other words, if the products and services you offer on your website match the user's query, you're more likely to rank well.
2. Geographical proximity
Only businesses that are relatively close to the user's geographic location (or the one they specify) will appear in Google Maps results.
3. Notoriety
Businesses that are deemed popular by Google are more likely to appear among the first results of a local search. Google evaluates a business's reputation based on its e-reputation, the position of its site on the search engine, and the quantity and quality of backlinks it obtains.
You can call on our netlinking agency for an effective backlink strategy.
Optimizing your local SEO on Google Maps: 6-step checklist
1. Optimize your Google My Business account
It is essential to ensure that all possible information fields are filled in your Google My Business account for good local SEO.
Indeed, by providing a significant amount of information to Google about your business, you increase its chances of understanding what you offer and judging your relevance to what Internet users are looking for.
So make sure you provide it correctly
Your full address
Your geographic location
Your opening hours
