Local maps optimization has quickly evolved into a critical element for a successful local SEO strategy. Of all daily Web searches performed by Google visitors, 20 percent of those searches are done with a local intent. That percentage more than doubles for searches on mobile phones. Google Places, Bing and Yahoo each provide free local business maps listings for companies on the Web. These listings are displayed on the search results page if a user conducts a search with a local search intent. Local maps optimization techniques promote higher standings for business listings in the local maps results.

Local Google Maps Optimization

Google's search engine results page (SERP) prominently features local search results for searches with a local intent. For example, if a user searches for “Indian Food in Atlanta,” Google displays the search results with a local flavor, including a local map of the area that accompanies the normal organic and local paid search results.

The local Google map shows pinpoints of local Restaurants that serve Indian cuisine. If a user clicks on one of these pinpoints, they will be led to a Google Places listing where they can get more information about hours, menus, pictures of the food and get directions to the restaurant. Google Places listings have become a mainstay in local search. Local Google maps optimization campaigns can ensure that your company will be found in the local Google maps search results!

Local Maps Optimization for Consumer Conversions

Local maps search results draw in Web searchers who are searching for a local product or service because the map listing gives them all the information they need about a particular local business including hours of operation, physical location, customer reviews and driving directions.

Being at or near the top of the local maps search results is paramount for any local small business that conducts a majority of its business with local consumers. Local maps optimization can drive more qualified local traffic to these small businesses, converting local searchers into loyal customers.

Local Maps SEO Optimization Techniques

To properly conduct local maps optimization, a company must first be listed on the local maps results (i.e. Google Places, Bing or Yahoo! business listings). Often times, a company might have a Google Places listing any not even know it! The key for local maps optimization is for the business to claim ownership of its local maps page and consult with a professional local SEO company to properly optimize the map listing for the local search results. Some of the local maps optimization techniques that will be executed will include:

• completely filling out all information of the local maps listing including hours of operation, Website address, services provided, etc.
• tagging the local maps listing with the appropriate categories so that your listing can be easily found
• adding videos and/or image media to spice of the local map listing to make it more appealing to visitors
• working to solicit truthful, worthwhile customer reviews for the listing - no SPAM!

Local maps optimization is a powerful local SEO technique that can mean the difference between growing your business in the local market, and being leap-frogged by your competition.

Our local small business SEO company provides expert local maps optimization and Google maps SEO optimization services. Drive more local customers into your store by dominating the local maps search results with a local maps SEO strategy. Contact our local maps SEO strategists today for more information on our local maps optimization services!