How to Start a Successful Google Maps Marketing Campaign

The world of internet marketing is ruled by numbers as they help build the marketing strategy you wish to use. There are over 3.62 billion internet users today and if you are a business owner, you have to formulate a strategy that helps tap into this growing market. The importance of internet marketing in this setup is best highlighted in statistics from recent surveys.

A recent study shows that digital interactions in 2015 influenced sales worth over $2.2 trillion. 64% of all in-store global sales were influenced by the internet in 2015, which again highlights the importance of this platform in modern commerce. The same report showed that 40% of global internet users have bought products or services online. These numbers highlight the importance of having a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.

While all that was previously needed for online marketing was a website, you have more work to do in order to leverage the growing numbers of internet users. If you are running a local business, it is crucial to focus on local search engine optimization in a bid to increase foot traffic to your store. By leveraging tools specifically designed for local SEO, you will increase visitors to your local restaurant or get more people visiting your spa.

The Ultimate Local SEO Tool

Google Maps has emerged as the most crucial tool for local SEO and for many good reasons. While the app was initially important for finding navigation, it has now evolved to become a crucial component in digital marketing. Google Maps now enable you to list your company’s business information, which then becomes visible on the search engine.

The new 3-pack local listings now provide three results for listed businesses targeting a similar keyword. Like with all SEO strategies, there is work to do in order to appear on the 3-pack search result page.

If you are looking for a strategy to boost your local business, it is important to get more insight on Google Maps. This is no longer a navigation tool for mobile users but a powerful business tool that makes it easier for your target audience to find your location. Below are some highlights to help you optimize your listings on Google Maps:

Why Google Map Marketing Matters

A 2016 HubSpot shows that 50% of mobile users who carry out a local search on their Smartphones end up visiting the store within the same day. A Go-globe study shows the Google 3-pack appears in 93% of searches, which highlights the importance of optimizing for Google Maps. More importantly, 34% of consumers who search on tablet or computer visit the store on the same day. 18% of local mobile searches end up in a sale within a day and these are the reasons why your business should appear on local search.

Well, these numbers make a point for inclusion of Google Maps marketing in your SEO campaign. When a potential customer is looking for a service or a product, the first place they go to is a search engine. Now that Google owns 62% of the search engine market, it is crucial to increase visibility on the platform. This guarantees you can easily be found by potential customers.

There are other specific reasons to go for Google Maps as seen below:

1. Attracting Local Traffic

More people are now on Smartphones. For instance, over 80% of Americans own a smartphone, which makes it easier for them to access the internet. This in turn means they use their devices to locate stores and compare prices. In fact, 79% of mobile phone users use their devices for online shopping according to a recent study. If your business is listed on Google Maps, it is easier to be found and this in turn increases the number of shoppers coming to your business.

2. Increased Brand Visibility

A 2015 ComScore Report indicates that 43% of internet users use their devices to find a local store and later make a purchase. If your business is to be found on Google 3-pack, it is now possible to boost your presence. Internet users are increasingly looking to interact with brands that are highly visible. Such brands are known to be more professional and with Google Maps, you can even add a logo to make your business even more recognizable.

3. Customer Trust and Loyalty

If you are running a business in the modern business environment, then you have to compete with brands from across the globe. In some niche industries, you have global brands angling for the same target audience, making things tougher. In such an environment, the best way to earn new customers and retain old ones is by slowly building their trust.

When a potential customer searches your business and finds it on Google Maps, they will most likely visit your store. By providing contact details, location and other details, you will give customers a sense of familiarity, which makes them feel more at ease shopping from you.

How to Leverage Google Maps

It is important to remember that with the reduction of the previous Google 7-pack to 3-pack, the competition for listing on search engine results pages (SERPs) just got stiffer. The ultimate objective of this Google marketing strategy is to ensure you have the highest placement on local business listings on Google Maps results. It is important to leverage the expertise of an SEO expert from Rankingbyseo.com because these experts have the prerequisite skills and resources. They also understand the latest Google Maps upgrades.

The process of optimizing for Google Maps starts with a Google My Business Account. This will allow you to claim a listing for your company which will appear on Google’s SERPs. This is what gives your business a Google Map location. It also enables potential customers to look at your ratings and read reviews before visiting your store.

Your Google My Business Listing should be claimed and verified and once this is done, make sure you create a content management strategy. You must ensure that all information about your local business on different online platforms is correct and ensure you have many brand mentions on various platforms. Quality backlinks from local authority websites are also important as they boost your credibility.

Lalit Sharma is a Seo consultant who runs a Seo house called Ranking By Seo. He is specialized in link building and other Seo related activities. You can also find him on Twitter, Google+ and his personal blog.