What is Map Search Optimization?

Many small business owners are familiar with, or at least aware of the term search engine optimization, often referred to as SEO. Quite simply, SEO is the process of enhancing a website’s infrastructure and content to make it more likely to show up in search results on Google, Yahoo, Bing or other search engines. But these days, optimizing for general search isn’t enough. When seeking local goods and services, people are relying on map search results in Google or directly using map apps, such as Google Maps or Waze, to perform searches. This means websites need to undergo map search optimization so they will show up in map search results in apps and general search engine results.
What is the Importance of Map Search Optimization?
Numerous studies indicate that search results based on proximity are constantly growing in importance to consumers. This is particularly true for those seeking goods and services that can’t be ordered online, such as auto repair, roofing or vet clinics. When someone searches for “X near me” or something similar, Google recognizes the searcher is seeking a product or service in their community, so it prioritizes showing businesses on its map feature in search. To ensure that your business is included in these map search results, or on results for those searching directly within their map app, there’s a few steps that need to be taken.
How to Show Up in Map Search Results
While optimizing content for local SEO is crucial for achieving a high map search ranking, there are a few additional offsite practices that need to be completed for best success. First, because Google is the dominant force in search, one must claim their Google My Business page and ensure your profile is fully filled out and that all contact info, including name, address and phone number (NAP), are correct. This brings us to a second primary concern, which is making sure your NAP is correct across your website, social media pages and any other directory listings, such as Yelp, Yellowpages or Angie. According to studies, a mismatched NAP reduces search ranking in more than 40 percent of cases.
Another critical component of ensuring your business shows up as a map result is earning positive reviews. While the best way to do this is simply to deliver exceptional service and products, requesting reviews from satisfied customers can go a long way. On top of reviews from real, local customers, you need to generate local content for your site, including in web page content and blogs. This means regularly using the name of your neighborhood, city, or other area markers in the conversational content of your site, but be careful not to overstuff with keywords.
How to Achieve Google Maps Optimization
Ranking high in map search results on Google and directly within map apps is critical to attracting local customers, but it’s not necessarily an easy task. When you partner with the web presence experts at MORBiZ, we’ll handle all the local SEO and reputation management necessary to achieve an excellent ranking in map search and traditional results. To learn more about our local business Internet marketing tools and practices and to find out how they can benefit you, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-855-266-7249 or use this contact form . We look forward to working with you to grow your web presence .









