Boost Your Google Map Pack Ranking Regardless of Location!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why is Wes's business not showing up on the map?
- The three location-based scenarios
- 3.1 Online retail vs local store vs service business
- 3.2 The importance of city borders
- 3.3 The significance of the city center
- 3.4 Searcher to business distance
- Tips to improve your local search strategy
- 4.1 Considering your physical location
- 4.2 Utilizing virtual offices and co-working spaces
- 4.3 Understanding the impact of city centers
- 4.4 Dealing with searcher to business distance
- Additional ranking factors to consider
- Conclusion
Why is Wes's business not showing up on the map?
Wes is frustrated because even though he has taken all the necessary steps to optimize his Google business profile, his business is not appearing in the map pack. He has selected the right business category, filled out all the information, and received positive reviews. However, despite his efforts, his business is not generating any revenue. Wes needs to understand that there are three key location-based scenarios that can affect his business's visibility in local search.
The three location-based scenarios
3.1 Online retail vs local store vs service business
When setting up a Google business profile, Wes had to choose between three options: online retail, local store, or service business. Since Wes's business is a local one, he correctly opted for either a local store or service business. However, it's important to note that the selection of service business allows him to specify his service area instead of being tied to a physical address. This can be misleading for potential customers and may not affect his ability to rank.
3.2 The importance of city borders
One of the crucial factors in local search rankings is the physical location and relation to city borders. Wes owns a cleaning company with a physical address in Valmont, Colorado, but he wants to show up in search results for cleaning services in Boulder, a larger city nearby. The problem Wes encounters is that he is not located within the boundaries of Boulder. Google defines specific borders for each city, and if a business falls even slightly outside those borders, it becomes challenging to rank for searches that contain the city name. To be sure about the city boundaries, Wes can simply Google the city name and check for a red border defining its limits.
To overcome this challenge, Wes has two options. First, he could consider relocating his business to be physically within the city he wants to target. However, if Wes's business does not require physical visits from customers, he has a more cost-effective solution. Google allows the use of virtual offices or co-working spaces as a valid physical address, as long as the location is staffed during business hours. Wes could consider renting a virtual office or co-working space within Boulder to meet Google's requirements and enhance his chances of ranking higher in local search results.
3.3 The significance of the city center
Another crucial factor in local search rankings is the proximity to the city center. Even if Wes's business is physically located within Boulder, he may still struggle to outrank competitors with fewer reviews. This is because Google tends to prioritize businesses located closer to the city center. The city center is often the busiest and most populated area of the city, where the downtown is situated. Wes can easily identify the city center by Googling the name of the town and observing where Google places the label. Being closer to the city center increases the likelihood of ranking higher in searches related to that city.
3.4 Searcher to business distance
When users perform local searches without specifying a city name, Google prioritizes businesses based on their physical proximity to the searcher. This applies to businesses that require physical visits, such as a sushi restaurant, as well as those that offer remote services, like an interior designer. Unfortunately, there is not much Wes can do to influence this factor directly. However, by following the previous strategies of being located within the city and closer to its center, he naturally increases the chances of being closer to searchers and, therefore, ranking higher.
Tips to improve your local search strategy
To enhance Wes's local search visibility and increase his business's chances of appearing in the map pack, here are some actionable tips to consider:
4.1 Considering your physical location
Understanding the implications of Wes's physical location and its relation to the targeted city's borders is crucial. If he is located within the city, he can focus on other factors affecting his rankings. However, if Wes falls outside the city borders, he should evaluate the feasibility of relocating his business or explore virtual office options within the desired city.
4.2 Utilizing virtual offices and co-working spaces
For businesses that don't require customers' physical visits, virtual offices and co-working spaces offer an affordable solution to meet Google's address requirements. Renting a virtual office or co-working space within the targeted city, preferably closer to the city center, can improve Wes's chances of ranking higher in local search results.
4.3 Understanding the impact of city centers
Wes should recognize the significance of being closer to the city center. By having his business in proximity to the city's busiest and most populated area, he increases his chances of ranking higher in searches related to that city. It is advisable for Wes to focus on the city center when considering virtual office or co-working space options.
4.4 Dealing with searcher to business distance
While Wes cannot directly control his proximity to searchers, he can indirectly influence it by strategically positioning his business within the targeted city and closer to its center. By doing so, he statistically improves the chances of being closer to searchers and ranking higher in local search results.
Additional ranking factors to consider
While location plays a significant role in local search rankings, Wes should also consider other factors that contribute to his business's visibility. These factors include optimizing his Google My Business profile, generating positive reviews, ensuring consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) information across all online platforms, improving website SEO, and building quality backlinks. Wes should aim to maximize these ranking factors to complement his location-based strategies.
Conclusion
Optimizing a business for local search requires a deep understanding of location-based scenarios and strategies. Wes must recognize the impact of his physical location, the importance of city borders, the significance of the city center, and the influence of searcher to business distance. By following the tips provided and considering additional ranking factors, Wes can improve his local search visibility and increase the chances of his business appearing in the map pack. With a comprehensive local search strategy, Wes can generate more leads, attract customers, and grow his business successfully.
Highlights:
- Understanding the three location-based scenarios affecting local search rankings.
- The importance of being within city borders and the option of virtual offices.
- Recognizing the significance of city centers in local search results.
- The impact of searcher to business distance on rankings.
- Tips to improve local search strategy, including physical location considerations and leveraging virtual offices.
- Additional ranking factors to consider, such as Google My Business optimization and positive reviews.
FAQs
Q: Can I choose my service area for a local business?
A: While you can specify your service area in your Google business profile, it does not directly impact your ability to rank. The service area is merely an indication to potential clients that you are willing to work with them in those locations.
Q: How can I rank for a city where my business is not physically located?
A: If your business is outside the desired city's boundaries, you have a few options. You can consider relocating your business within the city or explore the use of virtual offices or co-working spaces within the targeted city to meet Google's address requirements.
Q: Does my proximity to the city center affect my ability to rank?
A: Yes, being closer to the city center can improve your chances of ranking higher in local search results. Google tends to prioritize businesses located in or near the busiest and most populated areas of a city.
Q: How does searcher to business distance impact local search rankings?
A: When users search for businesses without specifying a city name, Google prioritizes businesses based on their physical proximity to the searcher. It applies to both businesses that require physical visits and those that offer remote services. Unfortunately, proximity is a factor that businesses cannot directly control.
Q: What are some additional ranking factors to improve local search visibility?
A: Alongside location-based strategies, optimizing your Google My Business profile, generating positive reviews, maintaining consistent NAP information, improving website SEO, and building quality backlinks are essential factors to consider for better local search rankings.
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