Google is evolving in this digital age, and “near me” searches are increasing rapidly. Users search for “coffee shop near me”, “salon near me”, “shopping centres nearby”, and others. These search results appear in Google Maps. Have you ever thought about making your business visible in the top three spots of Google Maps?
It can happen only if the SEO strategy is strong. Hence, you can hire the professionals from a local SEO company in Kolkata and see how it becomes possible. Users will notice you, and you can appear on the landing page of Google. However, before that, you need to know about the local strategies that allow you to rank better on Google Maps.
Google Maps ranking is a one-stop solution
Achieving the top rank on Google Maps has become a one-stop solution for most businesses. It is an utmost priority for users nowadays. Users are eager to find the location of a particular business on Google Maps. The output of a mobile search is an offline purchase. If the businesses appear on the local three-pack, there are higher chances of receiving a substantial number of clicks. Therefore, local SEO is necessary to boost the market value of your business. It is especially applicable for small and medium-sized businesses that think community-driven sales is a reliable option.
Local SEO strategies to rank higher on Google Maps
Here are the local SEO strategies to rank higher on Google Maps:
Optimisation of the Google Business Profile
Remember that Google Business Profile is the backbone of a local business SEO strategy. If it is not appropriate, you may face significant hurdles. To boost the visibility, you need to follow these steps:
Complete the profile
Ensure that you complete the profile by providing all the necessary details. The details include the appropriate business name, website, contact number, address, and category.
Smart keyword insertion
Try to include keywords in the description smartly. For example, you can include “we are the best coffee shop in Kolkata” or even “salon near me”.
Visual uploading
Text is not the only solution for your business. Ensure to upload visuals. Remember that businesses that upload photos or videos receive a large number of requests for directions.
Updation is mandatory
Keep your Google Business Profile updated. Customers need to be aware of the offers and latest events provided by your business.
SEO professionals help businesses optimise their profiles using the latest methodologies. This is how Google thinks that the businesses are reliable and trustworthy.
Also, Read this Blog: 5 Reasons Voice Search SEO Must Be Part of Your SEO Strategy in 2025
Local citation and NAP consistency
Without consistency, a search engine is incomplete. The name, address, and phone number of the business should be consistent across all platforms. Whether it’s Google Maps, social media, or online directories, everywhere it has to be similar. Coincidentally, if the details are inconsistent, users will be unable to find it. The algorithms become confused, and this is likely to have an impact on Google rankings. You can also utilise citation tools for getting listed on various local directories.
Gather and respond to reviews
User reviews take the centre stage when it comes to optimising local SEO. Positive reviews from users enhance credibility and have a better impact on rankings. The best thing you can do is to urge your users to write positive reviews about your business. Don’t feel scared of a negative review; respond to it and ask why the user was dissatisfied. In marketing campaigns, you can display positive reviews. Businesses that achieve more than 100 reviews can rank higher on Google.
Local keywords are a boon
Unquestionably, the local keywords are a boon for your business. Hence, incorporate geo-specific terms. You can use keywords like “SEO services in Kolkata” rather than using “SEO services”. For coffee shops, you can use “best coffee in Kolkata” or “cafeteria in Kolkata”. The keywords appear in website content, blogs, articles, meta descriptions, and Google Business Profile descriptions.
On-page SEO for local reach
For the success of a local SEO, the website plays a pivotal role. You need to ensure that the service pages are targeting the local keywords. Moreover, you can incorporate location-based schema markup and embed maps on the contact page. A few businesses also rely on internal linking, which enables users to access location-specific service pages directly. This is how you can achieve a higher rank on Google Maps.
Local backlinks
To enhance authority, it is better to build backlinks from local sources. You can do it by partnering with the best bloggers. Moreover, you can sponsor community events and, for promotional activities, consider collaborating with nearby businesses. For sending signals to Google, every local backlink is a boon. It indicates that the business is a trusted and reputable part of the community.
Voice search optimisation
Voice searches take the forefront in the local SEO strategies. The reason behind this is the emergence of mobile assistants and smart speakers. Voice searches have a conversational tone. Moreover, they are location-based. A text search can be “best shopping malls in Kolkata”. On the other hand, a voice search can be, for example, “Which is the best shopping mall near me right now?” A voiceover provides detailed information about the business location. If the content is optimised to match the conversational queries, businesses gain enhanced visibility. The visibility is achieved in both Google Maps and voice search.
Encouraging user engagement
Google values user interaction with the profile. Therefore, you can encourage a stronger call to action. It involves clicking “contact us”, requesting directions and visiting the website. If the engagement is higher, you can expect a better ranking. People often take this point lightly and think it is not essential. However, it is essential and has been proven to be helpful for the local businesses.
Hire SEO specialists from Lee and Nee Software (Exports) Ltd and achieve a higher ranking on Google Maps. Our specialists can optimise your Google Business Profile and enhance its visibility. Visit our website and contact us now. Hence, we are looking forward to partnering with you and serving you better.
