Google Maps: Marketing Tactics To Double Your Local Business Traffic(in 2023)

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Hello there!

Google Maps is not just a tool for getting directions but also a powerful marketing tool for local businesses. 

With over 1 billion active monthly users, Google Maps can help drive local business and boost visibility. 

Here are 9 marketing tactics using Google Maps to drive local business.

1. Claim and verify your Google My Business listing

Claiming and verifying your Google My Business (GMB) listing is the first step to take. 

According to a survey, businesses with complete and accurate GMB listings are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers. 

Make sure your GMB listing has up-to-date information, such as your business hours, website, and phone number.

Action item: Claim and verify your GMB listing on Google.

Here is how to do that:

Step 1-Go to Google My Business and sign in or create a new account.

Step 2-Enter the name and address of your business and follow the prompts to verify it.

Step 3-Add complete and accurate information, such as hours of operation, website URL, and phone number.

Step 4-Upload high-quality images and videos that showcase your business.

Online resource: https://www.google.com/business/

2. Optimize your GMB listing

To optimize your GMB listing, ensure that all information is filled out and accurate.

Add high-quality photos, update your business description, and include your services and products. 

You can also add posts to your GMB listing to showcase your business and share updates with customers.

Action item: Update your GMB listing with high-quality photos and detailed information.

Online resource: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en

3. Encourage customers to leave reviews

Reviews can have a significant impact on local search rankings. 

According to a survey, 87% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business. 

Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing. 

You can do this by providing excellent customer service, sending follow-up emails, and offering incentives for leaving reviews.

Action item: Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing.

Here is how to do that:

Step 1-Ask customers to leave a review by including a review request in your email or follow-up communication.

Step 2-Respond to reviews promptly, thanking customers for positive feedback and addressing negative feedback.

Step 3-Display your positive reviews on your website and social media pages to showcase your reputation.

Online resource: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7035772?hl=en

4. Use Google Maps ads

Google Maps ads can help you reach potential customers who are searching for businesses like yours. 

According to a study, Google Maps ads drive 2 billion monthly store visits.

Use location-based targeting to reach people in your area and ensure that your ads are visually appealing and relevant to your audience.

Action item: Use Google Maps ads to reach potential customers.

Here is how to do that:

Step 1-Sign into your Google Ads account and create a new campaign.

Step 2-Choose the “Local” campaign type and select “Promote your business on Google Maps.”

Step 3-Choose your targeting options, such as location, keywords, and audience demographics.

Step 4-Create ad copy and choose a budget that aligns with your marketing goals.

Online resource: https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/2404182?hl=en

5. Create a Google Maps listing for each location

If you have multiple locations, create a Google Maps listing for each one.

This will help you appear in local search results for each location, increasing your visibility and driving more traffic to your website.

Action item: Create a Google Maps listing for each of your business locations.

Additional things to remember for this action item:

-Use natural language in your content to match the way people speak.

-Focus on long-tail keywords and phrases that match how people ask questions.

-Optimize your content for featured snippets, as these are the answers that Google Home and other voice assistants often provide.

Online resource: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en

6. Use Google Maps to showcase your business

Google Maps offers a feature called Google Street View, which allows potential customers to take a virtual tour of your business. 

Use this feature to showcase your business and highlight your products or services.

Action item: Use Google Street View to showcase your business.

Here is how to do that:

Step 1-Sign up for a Google Maps API account and create an API key.

Step 2-Use the API key to integrate Google Maps into your website or app.

Step 3-Customize the map to match your branding and include relevant markers or pins.

Step 4-Test your integration thoroughly to ensure that it works well for your users.

Step 5-Sign into your Google Ads account and create a new campaign.

Step 6-Choose the “Search Network Only” campaign type and select “Location Options.”

Step 7-Choose your targeting options, such as location, keywords, and audience demographics.

Step 8-Set bid adjustments based on the location of the searcher to optimize your ad targeting.

Step 9-Sign into your Google My Business account and navigate to the “Photos” tab.

Step 10-Select the “360 View” option and choose the photos you want to include.

Step 11-Use the editing tools to create a seamless 360-degree view of your business.

Step 12-Publish your photos to give potential customers a virtual tour of your business.

Online resource: https://www.google.com/streetview/

7. Respond to customer inquiries

If customers have questions or concerns about your business, make sure to respond promptly. 

Responding to customer inquiries shows that you value their business and can help build trust with potential customers.

Action item: Respond promptly to customer inquiries on your GMB listing.

Online resource: Help Scout’s response templates.

8. Offer promotions and discounts

Offering promotions and discounts is a great way to attract new customers and retain existing ones. 

Use your GMB listing to showcase your promotions and discounts and ensure that they are up-to-date.

Action item: Offer promotions and discounts on your GMB listing.

Online resource: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7549287?hl

9. Encourage Reviews on Google Maps

Encouraging customers to leave reviews on your Google Maps listing is one of the best ways to improve your visibility on the platform. 

In fact, businesses with more reviews and higher ratings tend to appear higher in search results.

Action item: Encourage customers to leave reviews by asking for feedback after a purchase or service. 

Also, remember to:

-Display your positive reviews on your website and social media pages to showcase your reputation.

-Share customer stories and testimonials on social media to build trust and credibility.

-Respond to reviews and comments promptly, engaging with your audience and showing that you value their feedback.

-Use social media listening tools to monitor conversations about your business and respond as needed.

-Respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative, to show that you value your customers’ opinions.

Online resource: How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Business

Mistakes to avoid

Claiming the wrong location: 

Make sure to claim the correct location for your business on Google Maps. 

Double-check the address and ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.

Inaccurate business information: 

Ensure that all business information, such as the name, address, and phone number, is accurate and consistent across all online platforms, including Google Maps.

Ignoring reviews: 

Pay attention to reviews on your Google Maps listing. 

Address both positive and negative reviews in a professional and timely manner.

Not using photos or using low-quality photos: 

Make sure to add photos or use low-quality images on your Google Maps listing. 

Use high-quality images that showcase your business and its offerings.

Not adding a description: 

Avoid leaving the business description blank or using a generic one. 

Use this space to describe your business and what sets it apart from competitors.

Ignoring Google My Business Insights: 

Pay attention to the insights provided by Google My Business.

Use them to track your listing’s performance and adjust your marketing tactics accordingly.

Failing to encourage customers to check in: 

Encourage customers to check in on Google Maps when they visit your business. 

This will help improve your visibility and rankings on the platform.

Not responding to questions: 

Respond to questions asked by potential customers on your Google Maps listing. 

This shows that you are engaged and willing to assist them.

Not utilizing Google Maps Ads: 

Pay attention to the opportunity to run Google Maps ads to reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your business.

Failing to update hours: 

Ensure that your business hours are accurate and up-to-date on your Google Maps listing. 

This will ensure clarity and convenience for potential customers.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your Google Maps listing and attract more customers to your business. 

Remember to keep track of your progress and adjust your tactics as needed to ensure continued success.

If you have any questions about the information above, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here. 

Thanks, and till next time!