There are many different ways to market your IT service business online. Most of your prospective clients still use Google to find local IT service businesses near them. A matter of fact, almost 80% of local searches result in a conversion.
But how do we catch the attention of local searches on Google?Simple, through Google Maps marketing.
Simple, through Google Maps marketing.
What’s the difference between Google Maps marketing and Local Maps SEO?
Google Maps marketing is the process of optimising the online presence of your IT service businesses in Google Maps, with the goal of increasing your brand’s online visibility. While, local maps SEO drives highly-qualified local traffic to IT service businesses. As a result, Google maps optimisation has become one of the most powerful investments in local SEO marketing.
Here’s an example of a search a query on Google that has local intent:
Google Maps marketing uses a number of strategies and tactics to help your business become one of those three positions on a local map.
Importance of Google map marketing
- Google map is the most popular navigation tool and virtually controls two-thirds of the online navigation market –which causes A LOT of traffic.
- It is the most important tool for local SEO which all SEO agencies in London uses. Plus, it’s mobile-friendly. Millions of visitors use it to search for directions to local businesses, attractions, and personal addresses.
- It’s a powerful marketing tool for IT service businesses. It’s one of the quickest ways to boost your presence in local search results. Your IT service business will be seen as a local authority in the IT industry and the go-to place for local customers who want a specific IT service.
Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is a free Business Profile that lets you easily connect with customers across Google Search and Maps. But, before ranking in Google Maps, make sure to set up and optimise your Google My Business profile. Here’s how you can do that.
Step 1: Go to Google My Business page.
Click on the blue button that says “Manage now”.
NOTE: Signed into your Google account
Step 2: Create the listing and name your business profile.
Name your new listing and add all important business information.
NOTE: Familiarise yourself with Google’s guidelines. Never create Google my Business spam. It can cause a horrible user experience for your potential clients and may put you at risk for penalties and suspensions.
Step 3: Provide information about your business such as:
- Business name
- Business description
- Reviews
- Phone number
- Address
- Website
- Business category or industry
- Locations that you serve
- Business hours
- Products and services
- Photos
Consider these tips on filling out your business information:
- Optimise your introduction. This should contain everything a prospective client might need to know about your IT service business. You can also insert links to relevant pages on your site
- For the photos in your Google My Business listing, choose appealing images that make your business stand out.
Here are a few guides to make your Twitter marketing live a long-lasting impression on your followers:
Step 4: Verify your profile.
For a brand-new account, you will need to verify the physical address with a postcard that will be sent via mail by Google.
For claiming a listing that already exists on Google Maps but is not verified, verify the profile via email or phone.
Google Maps Ranking Factors
First, you have to understand the Google Maps ranking factors before you expect to see high-ranking results.
Here are the top Google Maps ranking factors:
- Google My Business signals
- Link signals
- Review signals
- On-page signals
- Citation signals
- Behavioral signals
- Personalisation
- Social signals
Google’s local algorithm analyses all of the ranking factors based on these areas:
- Proximity: How close is the IT service business to the searcher?
- Prominence: How popular is the business in the area?
- Relevance: How closely does the listing match the searcher’s query?
Optimise Google Maps Marketing
1. Online Reviews
It is the most important component for ranking in Google Maps. Reviews help to build up social proof, manage customer expectations, and these can sell your IT services before you even get in touch with the client.
Here are some aspects that Google consider about the “review factor”:
- A review has text along with the star rating or not.
- The words chosen to write the review.
- The overall star rating given to the business.
- The consistency of reviews.
- Overall review sentiment.
Consider these tips for your online reviews:
- Business owners must train their team to ask their customers for reviews.
- Set up a process/software that helps with review management.
- Don’t ask for a review too early.
- Ask for a review for an IT service after the client has had the chance to solve their problem with your service.
2. Local Links
Links are one of the largest ranking factors in Google’s algorithm. Building local links is especially important in Google Maps ranking. Local links have a much higher probability of driving actual business.
Here’s how to do it:
- Utilise your local relationships around town.
- Start with businesses that you already have a relationship with or know well.
- Offer to write or record a testimonial in exchange for a link
- Co-create contents that benefits your audiences.
Results and Google my Business analytics
Tracking results is a crucial aspect of SEO. You can find this in your Google My Business account.
Log into your account and select “Insights” on the left side. Here what it looks like:
You’ll be able to see these things:
- Specific search queries triggered your listing.
- How often your listing appeared in Google search.
- How often your listing appeared in Google Maps.
- What kind of customer actions were taken like visiting your website, requesting directions, and phone calls?
- Where customers are requesting business information from.
- Which days of the week get the most calls.
- How many photos have been viewed, and how that number compares to your competition?
By learning the in and out Google Maps marketing you can drive local leads to your IT service business in London on a consistent basis. And above all, be patient. Improving your visibility in Google Maps marketing can take time. There are no quick hacks and no overnight fixes to rise to the top. What really matters is you are taking care of your customers by keeping your information and profile current and provide them with great service.
Contact us now for a free SEO audit.