When it comes to local businesses, ranking on Google Maps is essential to success. If a local business isn't showing up on Google Maps, they're likely missing out on potential customers, and their business could suffer as a result. But why is it that some local companies struggle to rank on Google Maps?
Unverified Google My Business
An unverified Google My Business listing means that the business hasn't been officially recognized by Google, which can lead to a lack of visibility in the search results. This is because Google only shows verified businesses in its search results, so an unverified listing will not appear in the results.
The first step to verifying your Google My Business listing is to create an account. You will need to provide basic information, including your business name, address, and phone number. Once you have created your account, you must verify your listing. This can be done through a phone call or a postcard sent to your business address. After completing the verification process, your listing will appear in Google's search results.
No Local Citations
Local citations are a critical factor in local search engine optimization (SEO) and help businesses to rank higher on Google Maps. Local citations refer to the mention of a business in an online directory, such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, or even a local newspaper. These citations help Google Maps to understand the relevance of a business for a particular search query, and as a result, the company appears higher in the local search rankings.
Unfortunately, many local businesses struggle to rank on Google Maps due to a lack of local citations. Without local citations, local businesses are not able to take advantage of the visibility that comes with a higher ranking on Google Maps.
The primary reason for the lack of local citations is that many local businesses are not actively engaging in local SEO. They are not taking the necessary steps to create and maintain a strong presence on local directories and platforms, which is essential for building local citations.
Furthermore, local businesses often do not have the resources or know-how to properly optimize their online presence and ensure that they are listed on the right local directories. Without the proper optimization, businesses can miss out on key local SEO opportunities that would help them to build local citations and improve their ranking on Google Maps.
Finally, many local businesses are unaware of the importance of local citations and their role in local SEO. Without the necessary knowledge and understanding, businesses cannot take the necessary steps to improve their local SEO and obtain the visibility they need to rank higher on Google Maps.
No Google Reviews
Google Reviews are an essential tool for local businesses looking to improve their ranking on Google Maps. As a business, having customer reviews on Google can help to boost your reputation and show potential customers that you are trustworthy. However, many local businesses struggle to gain Google Reviews, which can be detrimental to their ranking on Google Maps.
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that Google Reviews are essential for local businesses. This is because Google takes into account the reviews when ranking local businesses on its Maps service. If you don't have any reviews or have a low number of reviews, it will be difficult to rank well on Google Maps.
Another reason your local business may struggle to rank on Google Maps is that you don't have a good reputation. If customers have had a negative experience with your business, they are unlikely to leave a positive review on Google. As such, ensuring that your customers are happy and that you provide them with the best possible service is vital.
Final Thoughts
Local businesses are struggling to rank on Google Maps due to various factors. To maximize visibility and rankings on Google Maps, local businesses should optimize their website with local keywords, obtain positive reviews, properly update business information, and leverage local directories. With the right strategy, local businesses can increase their visibility and gain the advantage of increased foot traffic and better brand recognition.
Improve your ranking on Google Maps with the help of Vertical Studio. We are a digital marketing company in Arkansas that helps our clients find the answers they need for their business by helping them ask the right questions. We make sure that our clients have the right strategy in place to take their business to the next level. Get in touch with us today!