When it comes to optimizing your GBP to rank higher on Google Maps, on variable is how well you optimizing Google Maps for driving directions. This easy to follow guide will give you some great tips for doing so.
Table of Contents
- How GBP Driving Directions Impact SEO
- Claiming And Setting Up GBP For SEO
- Optimizing Your GBP For Local Search
- Extra Tip: Geo Tag Photos on Your GBP
- Need Help Ranking Your GBP Higher?
Understanding How Google Maps Driving Directions Impact Local SEO
Most business just think Google Maps driving directions are just about getting from point A to point B. But for us as a Local SEO experts, it’s much more. Google uses driving direction requests as an indicator of relevance. And that’s main idea here.
This boost can lead to better rankings, making your business stand out when people search for services or products in your area. So the more users you have who frequently navigate to your location, Google sees this as a strong sign that your business is useful.
If you can find smart ways to optimize your Google Business Profile for driving directions, you can really help boost your local rankings.
Claiming And Setting Up Your Google Business Profile Correctly For SEO
Before you can start optimizing Google Maps for driving directions, your Google Business Profile needs to be fully optimized for local SEO. The most basic elements you should worry about optimizing first are things like the following aspects of your GBP:
1. Claim Your Profile: The first thing you should prioritize doing incase you haven’t done so already is claiming your Google Business Profile. This gives you control over the information that appears and allows you to make updates when needed and to start optimizing your profile.
2. Verify Your Business Address: Double check that your address is correct. If Google has the wrong details, your customers might end up at the wrong spot when using driving directions leading to confusion.
3. Include All Contact Information: Add your phone number and website link and all the other ways your business can be contacted to your GBP.
Make Sure Your GBP is Fully Complete And Optimized For Local Searches
The next step in optimizing Google Maps for driving directions is making sure your Google Business Profile (GBP) is complete. A lot of businesses leave this halfway done either by not having enough images or content, not have a keyword targeting strategy etc…
1. Add High Quality Photos And Videos To GBP
Having photo and video content on your Business Profile makes your profile more appealing for potential customers searching for your services to choose to explore your profile over your competitors.
If your content is better at communicating what your business is what can give a nice preview your establishment then your business is more likely to get people using Google Maps driving directions to check your place out.
2. Optimize And Target Local Keywords on GBP
Finding and targeting right local keywords and key phrases related to your business and location is will work in your favor when optimizing for Google Maps driving directions.
You can do this by making sure to implement you set of target keywords where ever it’s applicable on your business profile. Make sure the section for your services on your GBP targets them, your about page etc…
3. Get Reviews That Mention The GBP Location
Getting more reviews for your GBP will help your local SEO since it’s a big ranking factor for Google. If you have more reviews than your top competitors then your way more likely to have leads engaged with your GBP and use Google Maps driving directions for your business.
And addition to aim for is not only to get more reviews about how great your services are but reviews that also mention some keywords related to your business location.
For example, a review that reads, “I love stopping by this bakery on 5th Avenue!” has a big impact on improving driving direction requests.
4. Encourage Check-Ins And Driving Direction Requests on Your Google Business Profile
On some Business Profiles, you have the option for customers to check in at your business. This feature was mainly made for hotels and motels but it can be used for other types of businesses as well.
You can also try to encourage customers to make check-ins through social media or leave a review right after they’ve used Google Maps driving directions can be a simple yet effective tactic.
You can offer a small discount or freebie for customers who used Google Maps to check into your your business.
5. Use Google’s Q&A Feature For Your GBP
On your Google Business Profile, you can use a specific feature that allows you to create and answer questions about your business. It’s called the GBP Q&A Feature.
This is an excellent place to engage with customers and give detailed information about your business. It’s also a great place to mention any keywords related to your business location.
For example, create questions like “Is there free parking next to the restaurant”, and answers like “On 43rd Ave, There’s a parking lot”.
Extra Tip: Geo Tagged Photos For Your GBP
Adding geo-tagged photos and video content to your Google Business Profile, website and social media profiles is another way to optimize your Local SEO for more Google Maps driving direction requests.
Geo-tagging photos, blog posts, and social media updates helps associate your business with a particular location. Note that Google takes data about your business from all across the web.
By geo-tagging and your online content, you improve the ties between your business and the local area for Google. Making it easier for people searching for services or products near them to find your business.
Need Help Ranking Your GBP Higher?
If you are still in need of any assistance or help with ranking your GBP higher or looking to grow your organic search results. Then I highly recommend you book a free consultation with the writer of this article, Ramzy, CEO & Founder of Vortex Ranker by clicking here.