How to show up on Google Maps
The results you often see when searching in Google for a service in a location is a Google Map at the top and three local businesses listed below, in the Local Search community this is commonly referred to as the Local 3 Pack.
The screenshot below shows an example using the phrase Handyman Services in Warwickshire
How do I appear in the Local 3 Pack
How does Google choose who appears in the three pack, why are some businesses included in the Local Three Pack, how do I appear on Google Maps, How do I appear in the Local 3 Pack, etc. are questions we frequently see.
The answer from the horses mouth – Googles explanation of Ranking of local results on Google is;
Relevance
Distance
Prominence
“Ranking of local results on Google
Local results are based primarily on relevance, distance and prominence. These factors are combined to help us find the best match for your search. For example, our search technology might decide that a business that’s further away from your location is more likely to have what you’re looking for than a business that’s closer. Here’s more detail about what relevance, distance and prominence mean.
Relevance
Relevance is how well a local listing matches what someone is searching for. Adding complete and detailed business information can help the search algorithm better understand your business and match you to relevant search results. Find out more about business descriptions and reviews
Distance
Just as it sounds – how far is each potential search result from the location term used in a search? If you don’t specify a location in your search, Google will calculate distance based on what’s known about your location.
Prominence
Prominence describes how well-known a business is. Some places are more prominent in the offline world and Google tries to reflect this in local ranking. For example, famous museums, landmark hotels or well-known shop brands that are familiar to many people are also likely to be more prominent in local search results. Prominence is also based on information that Google has about a business from across the web (such as links, articles and directories).
Google review count and score are also factored into local search ranking – more reviews and positive ratings will improve a business’s local ranking. Your position in web results is also a factor, so SEO best practices apply to local search optimisation.
There’s no way to request or pay for a better local ranking on Google. Details of the search algorithm are kept confidential to make the ranking system as fair as possible for everyone.”
Source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/7091
Adding your Business to Google Maps
The 1st thing you need to do if you want to appear on Google Maps is see if you are on there already.
This may sound strange if you are sure you have never listed your business, but Google sometimes creates listings from data it gathers from elsewhere.
To find your business on Google Maps go to https://www.google.com/business/ click on Get on Google and either sign in with the Google account you want to manage you local listing with, or create a new account.
You should then have a page like the screenshot below
Search for your business name (you may have to add location too) and if you business is already listed on Google maps it will appear below the search box.
If the business is already in your account it will be in your control panel, if not claim it, if it doesn’t appear at all click where it says add your business.
Read instructions carefully and create your Local Page.
You have to go through a verification process before you go live, but once you have done this you will soon start showing in Google Maps.
If you would like any help with setting up Google Maps, claiming a Google maps listing or optimising a google maps listing visit our SEO Stratford upon Avon Page.
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