Ranking highly on Google Maps can be a game-changer for local businesses. Being visible in local search results increases foot traffic, customer inquiries, and overall business growth. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about checking your Google Map rank at specific locations and improving your standing. Whether you run a local shop, service area business, or a multi-location enterprise, understanding these principles will help you succeed in local SEO.
Why Google Maps is Critical for Local Businesses
Google Maps is one of the most influential tools for businesses that rely on local customers. When someone searches for services, shops, or restaurants near them, the results that appear in Google Maps often receive the most attention. This is especially true when searches are performed on mobile devices, where Google Maps listings dominate the screen.
Appearing at the top of these results builds trust and draws attention to your business. Customers are far more likely to choose a business that appears in Google Maps because it offers immediate information like reviews, hours, and directions.
However, appearing in those top positions requires a targeted strategy. It’s not just about proximity to the searcher but also about how well-optimised your business profile is, how active your business appears, and how much trust your profile conveys to both Google and searchers.
How to Check Your Google Map Ranking for Different Locations
Many businesses don’t realise that their Google Map ranking can vary significantly depending on the user’s location. You might rank highly when someone searches from within a mile of your store, but much lower when they are five miles away. Understanding these variations is essential for refining your local SEO strategy.
Step 1: Choose a Google Maps Rank Tracking Tool
To check your ranking for specific locations, you need a specialised tool. Google does not provide this data directly, so you’ll need third-party software to simulate searches from different locations. Some of the best tools available for tracking Google Maps ranking include:
- GMB Everywhere: A browser extension that lets you check Google Maps rankings from different areas. It’s easy to use and provides instant results.
- BrightLocal: This tool is more comprehensive and gives you in-depth analysis, including how your Google Maps ranking changes over time and how you compare to local competitors.
- Local Falcon: This tool allows you to visualise your ranking geographically, offering a map that shows how your rank changes across your service area.
Using one of these tools will give you a clear view of where your business stands in Google Maps and how it compares to nearby competitors.
Step 2: Set Up Simulations for Specific Locations
Once you have chosen your tool, you can begin simulating searches from different locations. This feature allows you to teleport your search to a specific area, whether it’s another neighbourhood, town, or even street. These simulated searches are critical for understanding how your business ranks in areas where you may not physically be located but still want to attract customers.
For instance, a dental practice located in a suburb may want to know how they rank in the surrounding town centre, where foot traffic is higher. By using a rank tracking tool to simulate searches from that town centre, they can adjust their strategy to improve visibility in that area.
Step 3: Choose Local Keywords That Reflect Customer Search Behaviour
Your Google Maps ranking doesn’t just depend on where the search is performed but also on what people are searching for. It’s important to use the right keywords to track how your business ranks for specific searches.
For example, if you run a coffee shop, potential customers might search for terms like “coffee near me,” “best coffee shop in [city name],” or “cafes open now.” Using these keyword variations in your tracking tool gives you a more accurate view of how you rank for different types of queries.
Make sure to include keywords that reflect both general searches (like “cafe near me”) and specific services (like “gluten-free coffee shop” or “organic coffee”).
Step 4: Review and Analyse the Results
After running simulations, the tool will provide a report showing your business’s position in Google Maps for the selected locations and keywords. You will be able to see if you appear in the top 3 results (known as the local 3-pack), the top 10 results, or if you don’t appear at all.
It’s important to compare your ranking across multiple locations. Are you ranking well in some areas but poorly in others? Are certain competitors consistently outranking you? This analysis will help you identify areas for improvement.
Key Factors That Influence Your Google Maps Ranking
While it’s tempting to think that your Google Maps ranking is simply about being close to the searcher, many factors come into play. Knowing what these factors are and how they impact your business can help you improve your ranking significantly.
1. Proximity to the Searcher
The most basic factor is how close your business is to the person performing the search. However, proximity alone doesn’t guarantee a high ranking. Google uses other signals to decide which businesses deserve to rank highly even if they are farther away.
For instance, if your business is well-optimised, has lots of positive reviews, and has a strong online presence, you can still outrank a closer competitor that hasn’t put as much effort into its online presence.
2. Relevance to the Search Query
Google also evaluates how relevant your business is to the specific search query. If someone searches for “pizza near me” and your business sells pizza, you’re more likely to appear in the results. However, relevance goes beyond just the products you sell.
Your Google Business Profile needs to match the query as closely as possible. This means including relevant keywords in your business description, choosing the right categories, and making sure your services and offerings are clearly listed.
3. The Completeness of Your Google Business Profile
A fully optimised Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential. This involves ensuring every section is filled out and that your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
Here are some specific aspects to pay attention to:
- Business Name: This should be the exact name customers would search for. Avoid keyword stuffing (adding extra words to manipulate rankings) as this can lead to penalties.
- Categories: Make sure to select the most relevant categories for your business. Google uses these to understand what your business does, so choose carefully. You can add secondary categories if your business offers multiple services.
- Business Hours: Keep these updated, especially for holidays or temporary closures. Incorrect business hours can frustrate customers and hurt your ranking.
- Business Description: Write a clear and concise description of your business that includes relevant keywords, but keep it natural and informative.
- Photos and Videos: Adding high-quality images and videos helps improve engagement. Google favours businesses that offer a rich visual experience for potential customers.
4. Customer Reviews and Ratings
One of the most powerful signals Google uses to determine your ranking is customer reviews. Having lots of positive, high-quality reviews not only improves your ranking but also builds trust with potential customers.
Encourage customers to leave reviews by asking them directly after a positive experience. Respond to all reviews (positive and negative) in a timely manner. This shows Google that you are actively engaging with your customers, which boosts your ranking.
It’s important to keep reviews coming in regularly. A sudden drop in review frequency can negatively affect your ranking, so continuous customer feedback should be a key part of your strategy.
5. Local Citations and Online Mentions
Citations are mentions of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites, such as online directories, local blogs, and social media platforms. These citations help Google verify the legitimacy of your business.
Consistency is key. Your NAP information should be the same across all platforms. Inconsistent details can confuse Google’s algorithm and hurt your ranking.
Common Misconceptions About Google Maps Rankings
Misconception 1: Proximity is All That Matters
While proximity is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Google’s algorithm takes multiple factors into account, including relevance and prominence. A business that is further away can still outrank a closer competitor if it is more relevant to the search query or has a stronger profile.
Misconception 2: Reviews Don’t Matter for Ranking
Some business owners think reviews only matter to potential customers and have no impact on ranking. This is false. Google uses reviews as a trust signal, and businesses with a high volume of positive reviews are seen as more trustworthy and authoritative, which can boost their ranking.
Advanced Strategies to Boost Your Google Maps Ranking
1. Enhance Your Google Business Profile with Regular Updates
Regularly updating your Google Business Profile shows Google that your business is active. This can include posting updates, new services, promotions, or photos. Businesses that engage frequently with their profiles tend to rank higher than those that leave their profiles stagnant.
2. Use Geo-Targeted Keywords in Your Website Content
Your website content should reflect the local area you’re targeting. Use local keywords (e.g., “[service] in [city]”) throughout your site to help Google connect your business to local searches. This will also help your business appear in organic search results, reinforcing your visibility.
3. Create and Maintain a Local Backlink Profile
Backlinks are links from other websites to your website. Local backlinks—links from local directories, businesses, or news outlets—help build your authority in a specific location. Google uses these as a signal that your business is established and trusted in the local community.
4. Run Local Google Ads Campaigns
If you need faster results, running Google Ads specifically targeting local searchers can increase your visibility in Google Maps. While paid results don’t replace organic rankings, they can boost awareness and direct more traffic to your business profile.
Conclusion
Your Google Maps ranking can directly affect how many local customers find and choose your business. By using tracking tools, optimising your Google Business Profile, encouraging reviews, and engaging with local SEO strategies, you can improve your visibility and outshine your competition. Regular monitoring and adjustments are key to maintaining a high ranking and continuing to attract more customers.
Google Maps isn’t just a tool for navigation; it’s a vital part of your business’s local marketing strategy. Make sure your profile is polished, reviews are positive, and your local SEO game is strong to get the best possible results.
