Your Ultimate Guide to Google Maps Marketing in 2024

In Australia, as the country navigates towards a new normal, local businesses and entrepreneurs are encountering unique challenges and opportunities to enhance their SEO strategies and online presence in this evolving digital landscape.

Why Local SEO and Find Your Opportunities

In the digital era, boosting your business’s online visibility is crucial for drawing in more customers. A notable 78% of mobile Google Maps searches result in actual purchases, underscoring the vital link between an online presence and real-world sales. Particularly in Australia, where the majority of physical purchases start online, being easily discoverable online is essential for capturing your target market.

Yet, a surprising 55% of Australian businesses haven’t maximised their Google Business Profile, missing out on a key local SEO strategy to improve their Google Maps visibility. This article provides a guideline of your Google Maps Marketing.

 1. Optimise Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing

• Use Keyword-Rich Descriptions: It’s essential to include keyword-rich descriptions to highlight your unique offerings. For instance, if you’re a restaurant known for your brunch specials or if your setting is particularly family-friendly, make sure these features are prominently mentioned in your description.
• Update Your Business Information: Ensure that your business’s name, address, phone number, website, and operational hours are accurately listed and up-to-date. This not only helps customers find you but also improves your business’s credibility on the platform.
• Add High-Quality Photos and Videos: Visuals play a crucial role in attracting potential customers. Upload high-quality images and videos showcasing your products or services, including both interior and exterior views of your location, to give potential customers a better sense of what to expect.

 Google My Business (Resource)

Steps to Optimise Your GMB Listing:

• Log in to Google Business Profile: Use a dedicated work account rather than a personal Google account for professional separation and to facilitate shared access if needed.
• Add Your Business Information: Fill in your business name and continue the setup process by providing the necessary details.
• Select Your Business Type: Whether you operate online, have a physical location, or provide in-person services, Google allows you to classify your business accordingly.
• Enter Your Location: Specify your physical or service location to help customers find you more easily.
• Add Contact Information: Make your contact details public by adding a website and/or phone number.
• Verify Your Business: Complete the verification process to gain full access to GMB features, including responding to reviews and using messaging functions.
• Optimise Your Profile Further: Enhance your profile by adding business hours, chat options, a thorough description, and more photos to maximise your visibility and engagement.

                           Google My Business (Resource)

2. Cultivate Positive Reviews

• Leverage Positive Reviews: Encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google My Business listing. Positive reviews can significantly enhance your business visibility and appeal.
• Engage with All Feedback: Make it a point to promptly and courteously respond to all feedback. Addressing any concerns or issues can improve customer satisfaction and show potential customers that you value their input.
• Reply Respectfully: Ensure that every response, whether to praise or criticism, is swift and respectful. This demonstrates your commitment to customer service and can positively impact your business reputation online.

3. Find Strategic Keywords

For instance, if you’re a Florist keywords like “Flower delivery” or “Fresh Flowers” on your Google My Business page and website. This makes your business easier to find online. Use the Google Keywords Planner or any other keyword research tool  to find the right words for your GMB profile, social media, and website. Adding words related to your location helps locals discover your business.

keywords planner

  Google Keywords Planner (Resources)

4. Craft Captivating Posts

Elevate your local business online presence by proactively managing your Google My Business (GMB) profile. Regularly update it with fresh promotions, news, and high-quality images to engage and attract potential customers. Extend your reach by sharing appealing content about your business specialties and events on social media. Consistent updates and unique highlights will draw more visitors and foster a strong customer base.

GMB

GMB Posts (Resource)

5. Engage with Google Maps Advertising

• Optimise Your Google Ads Account: Set up a Google Ads account with detailed business information and geographic targeting to attract local diners. If you are running a restaurant, you can use keywords related to your restaurant’s unique offerings.
• Launch Location-Based Ads: Create ads targeting local searches in Google Maps, emphasising your restaurant’s special features or dishes, to capture the attention of nearby customers.

• Showcase Reviews in Ads: Use positive customer reviews and ratings in your ads to build trust and attract more patrons by highlighting your restaurant’s quality and popularity.

google map ads

Google Maps Advertising (Resource)

6. Enhance Local Search

Optimise your website for local search by incorporating location-specific keywords and creating dedicated pages for each area you serve. Ensure your contact information is consistent across your website, Google My Business, and other online listings. Digital marketing experts can enhance your online visibility with targeted local SEO tactics, making sure your business stands out in local searches for dining choices.

7. Promote Exclusive Deals

Leverage your digital platforms for exclusive promotions, integrating these offers into your comprehensive digital marketing strategy to attract customers looking for value and a superior experience. Utilise the “Posts” feature on Google My Business to showcase special deals, discounts, or events, drawing in patrons with seasonal specials or limited-time promotions.

8. Google Maps API

For better accessibility, include Google Maps on your website to provide clear directions to your location. Use the Google Maps API to create custom maps or add location-based features to your site. When you’re running a retail business, enhancing your website’s user experience with the Google Maps API makes it simpler for customers to find your shop & retail businesses, offering a direct way to improve patron convenience and attract more visitors.

API

Google Map API (Resource) 

9. Monitor Performance

Regularly analyse your Google My Business Insights to understand how users interact with your listing. Use this data to refine your marketing strategy, focusing on peak engagement times and prevalent user behaviours. Leverage GMB insights to customise your strategy, emphasising engagement drivers and tactics that attract customers to your business.

insight

10. Utilise Google Q&A

Encourage patrons to ask questions on your Google My Business page and commit to delivering prompt, informative responses. Proactively address frequently asked questions, providing valuable information to potential customers. This approach demonstrates your business’s commitment to transparency and exceptional customer service, fostering trust and engagement with your audience.

GMB listing’s Q&A(Resource)

11. Engage in  Google Maps Reviews

Incorporate positive Google Maps reviews into your advertising campaigns, using customer testimonials to provide social proof and attract new diners.

Q&A

Verve Innovation (Resource)

12. Focus on Mobile Responsiveness

Given the prevalence of mobile searches for Google Maps, it’s crucial that your website is optimised for mobile devices. Enhance your site’s loading speed and overall mobile user experience to cater to this significant user base. Ensuring your website is optimised for mobile users is vital, allowing potential customers to easily explore your dining options and make reservations on the go.

13. Maximise Google Maps Marketing Today!

An unoptimised Google My Business and Google Maps presence can make it difficult for your business to stand out online. This lack of visibility may negatively impact your customer conversions. Elevating your listing is key to outshining competitors and boosting traffic.

If optimising your listing feels daunting, Verve Innovation’s team can help. Our SEO expertise and dedication to your success mean we’re equipped to enhance your digital strategy.

Take advantage of our free consultation to review your digital marketing strategy and identify improvements. Call Verve Innovation at 1300 683 783 to start optimising your online presence.