You’re a family lawyer in Bucks County, PA with a reputation built on trust and relationships. But how do people who don’t already know you find you when they need your services? When someone searches “family lawyer near me” on Google, being in those top results can be huge. Having a Google Map on your business website can improve user experience and Google Maps visibility. This is where Google Maps SEO can help.
Being on Google Maps isn’t just about being visible; it’s about being found when people need your help. By taking the time to optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) and applying Google Maps SEO strategies, you’ll be ready to connect with local clients who are ready to reach out.
What is Google Maps SEO?
Google Maps SEO is the process of optimizing your business’s online presence to rank higher in local search results on Google Maps. This means tweaking your Google Business Profile, website and other online listings to match the search intent of local users. By optimizing your Google Maps SEO you’ll increase your visibility in local search results and make it easier for potential customers to find you.
When someone searches for services or products you offer, being higher in the local search results can be huge. It brings in more customers and more foot traffic to your physical location. For example, if you’re a coffee shop, optimizing your Google Business Profile with accurate business hours, a detailed business description and high quality photos will make your listing more attractive and trustworthy to local searchers.
In short, Google Maps SEO is about being visible in local searches so you can connect with a local audience ready to engage with your services.
Google Maps SEO for Local Businesses
For any business that has a local customer base, Google Maps is a key tool. The stats prove it: 76% of people who search for a nearby business on their mobile device visit a location that day (Think With Google, 2016). When your business shows up in those local searches it’s not just about reaching more people; it’s about reaching people who are ready to act.
Optimizing your Google Maps business listing, including website links, photos and business information will impact your Google Maps and regular Google Search results.
Having a strong Google Maps presence makes your business look more legitimate. According to Moz’s local ranking factors, factors like customer reviews, profile completeness and local engagement all contribute to your ranking. Google Maps is your digital storefront; it’s where potential clients can see your services, read reviews and find out what sets your business apart from the competition.
Want to learn more about local visibility? Check out our guide on local SEO.
Get Started with Google Maps SEO
A Google Maps SEO strategy starts with a Google Business Profile. Think of this as the foundation of your Google Maps presence. Here’s how to get started:
Ranking higher on Google Maps is key to local SEO as it can lead to more foot traffic and more connections with potential clients.
1. Claim and Verify Your Business
First go to Google’s Business Profile Manager and claim your business listing. If your business is already listed but you’re not managing it, claim it to take control of how it appears in search results. Verification is important because Google gives preference to verified businesses, they see them as more legitimate.
2. Fill Out Essential Information
A full profile is a powerful profile. Include all the important details like business name, address, phone number (often called NAP), hours of operation and even your website. Full profiles are twice as likely to be trusted by users (Google Support) which can impact visibility big time.
For more tips on setting up your profile check out our Google Business Profile setup guide.
3. Choose the Right Categories
Choosing the right categories makes it easier for potential clients to find you. Imagine you’re a family lawyer: setting your primary category to “Family Law Attorney” and secondary categories like “Divorce Attorney” or “Child Custody Lawyer” helps Google match your profile with searchers looking for those specific services.
Adding categories might seem small but it’s a big deal in helping Google understand what services you offer so you show up in more relevant searches.
How Google Maps Ranks Businesses
Understanding the key factors Google uses to rank businesses on Maps can help you take action. Here’s what matters most:
Relevance
Relevance is about how well your business matches the user’s search. Google’s goal is to connect users with the business that best meets their needs. Accurate categories, clear descriptions and relevant keywords in your profile improves your relevance and makes you more likely to show up when someone searches for what you offer.
Distance
Google takes the searcher’s location into account. Proximity is important especially for businesses like restaurants, medical offices or law firms that serve clients in specific areas. Make sure your address and service area are up-to-date on your Google Business Profile so your business shows up in local searches even if you service multiple areas.
Prominence
Prominence is about credibility. Google looks at factors like reviews, mentions on other sites and backlinks to see how well known and trusted your business is. The more positive reviews and mentions you have the more credible your business appears to Google which can help you rank higher. Check out our digital marketing guide for more tips on building your online presence.
How to Improve Your Google Maps Ranking
A competitive Google Maps profile requires consistent updates and engagement. Here’s a deeper look:
1. Keep Your Profile Up to Date
Updating your profile regularly shows Google your business is active and responsive.
- Add Photos Often: Visual content like photos gives clients a better sense of your business and can increase engagement. Google reports profiles with photos get 42% more requests for directions than those without.
- Write a Clear Business Description: Use industry terms like “family law” or “divorce attorney” to improve your profile’s visibility in search results.
- List Specific Services: Listing services like “Divorce Mediation” or “Child Custody” makes your profile more useful to potential clients and helps Google associate your profile with relevant searches.
2. Get Customer Reviews and Respond
Reviews are key to local SEO. According to BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read reviews before choosing a local business so a good review strategy can directly impact your results.
- Ask Happy Clients to Leave a Review: Happy clients are often willing to leave a review if asked. Sometimes a polite follow-up email or a reminder after a successful case can make a difference.
- Reply to Every Review: Engage with reviews, especially the negative ones to show you care about client feedback and are willing to improve. For example if a client mentions your location you might reply with, “We appreciate you choosing us for your family law needs in Bucks County.”
- Use Local Keywords in Your Reply: Using phrases like “Bucks County” reinforces your local presence and can help improve your profile’s local SEO.
Check out our review management guide for more.
3. Use Local Directory Listings
Citations, or mentions of your business on other local directories, build credibility. According to BrightLocal, businesses ranking in the top 3 on Google Local have around 85 citations.
- NAP Consistency: Make sure your business name, address and phone number are consistent across platforms to avoid confusing Google.
- List on Good Directories: Choose reputable sites like Yelp and local Chamber of Commerce listings to build credibility.
- Keep Listings Up to Date: Outdated information can mislead clients and reduce your chances of showing up in local search. Check and update your listings regularly to prevent misinformation.
4. Share Location Based Content
Adding a local twist to your content makes it more engaging and relevant. Geotagging images (images tagged with your business’s location) can increase engagement.
- Geotag Photos: When you upload images add location data so Google can verify your business’s location.
- Use Local Keywords: Using terms like “Bucks County lawyer” in your posts or updates will make them more likely to show up in local search.
- Showcase Community Involvement: Highlighting your involvement in local partnerships or community events builds trust and shows you care about the area you serve.
- Attend Local Events: Engaging with local events, partnerships and sponsorships builds community ties, customer loyalty and local SEO by telling your audience about these events.
5. Use Google Posts
Google Posts allows you to share real-time updates, offers or events which keeps your profile fresh.
- Post Weekly: Regular posts keep your profile active and show Google you’re engaged.
- Promote Specials: Sharing limited time offers can drive more traffic to your business.
- Analyze Insights: Use Google’s insights to see what’s working and refine your content over time.
Google Maps SEO Checklist
A consistent approach is key to Google Maps SEO. Here’s what to do each month:
- Review Profile: Check hours, services and contact info.
- Engage with Clients: Reply to reviews and answer client questions.
- Monitor Insights: Use Google Business Profile insights to see what’s working and adjust accordingly.
- Rank Higher on Google: Implement the strategies and tips to improve your business’s visibility on Google Maps like optimizing your website and managing your Google Maps profile actively.
For more SEO services check out our local SEO.
Advanced Google Maps SEO Strategies
Once you’ve covered the basics of Google Maps SEO it’s time to get into advanced strategies to increase your visibility and ranking. Here are some to consider:
Schema Markup:
- Adding schema markup to your website gives search engines more context about your business. This structured data helps Google understand your business better and potentially improve your local search visibility.
Backlinks:
- Backlinks from relevant and authoritative sources tells Google your business is credible and trustworthy. Focus on getting backlinks from local directories, industry specific sites and reputable blogs to improve your Google Maps ranking.
Content for Long Tail Keywords:
- Targeting long tail keywords and phrases that are specific to your business and location can help you attract a more targeted audience. For example a family lawyer in Bucks County might create content around “child custody lawyer in Bucks County” to capture more specific search queries.
Google Posts:
- Posting updates, promotions and events through Google Posts keeps your profile active and engaged. This tells your audience and Google your business is active and relevant.
Ask for Reviews:
- Reviews are a ranking factor. Ask happy clients to leave reviews and make sure to reply to all reviews promptly. This shows potential clients you value feedback and are committed to great service.
Google My Business Insights:
- Use the insights from Google My Business to track your performance. Analyze data on how customers find your listing, what actions they take and which posts perform best. This will help you make data driven decisions to improve your Google Maps SEO.
By doing these advanced strategies you can further boost your Google Maps visibility and make it easier for local customers to find and choose your business over others.
Google Maps SEO Mistakes
Don’t make these mistakes:
- Incomplete Information: Missing or outdated info weakens your profile.
- Inconsistent Citations: Variations in NAP can confuse Google.
- Overuse of Keywords: Keep descriptions natural for readability.
- Ignoring Reviews: Engaging with reviews builds credibility and trust.
- Neglecting Search Engine Optimization: Effective SEO can improve your visibility on Google Maps and boost your business’s local search ranking.
Google Maps SEO for Local Businesses
For businesses that rely on local customers Google Maps SEO is a game changer. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, being active and building real relationships with your clients you’re setting your business up to be found and trusted in your area.
By doing these you’re not only increasing visibility but also building local relationships that can lead to long term success.
VujaDay Digital for Local Reach
Ready to supercharge your business with local visibility? At VujaDay Digital we specialise in Google Maps SEO to connect you with customers who are actively searching for your services. From optimising your Google Business Profile to reviewing and local content we know how to make your business stand out in local search. Don’t miss out on potential clients – let us help you get found by the people who need you most.
Contact VujaDay Digital today to boost your local reach and watch your business grow!