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.

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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.

understanding why you should Optimize Google Maps Driving Directions For Local SEO on GBP

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.

How to claim your profile directly through Google Maps

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…

How to create a google business profile map listing citation for free

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.

Screenshot of cover photo example

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…

Using the near me keyword and key phrase to rank higher in local search results when trying to rank higher on Google Maps

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.

Getting Google Reviews for your construction company to improve local SEO

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.

Encouraging customer check-ins for get more Google Maps Driving Directions Requests for your Google Business Profile

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”.

A GMB profile for a coffee shop highlighting the use of locally-sourced, organic beans in a Q&A response

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.

An example of Geo-tagged images for Google Business Profile shown from Apple Photos

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.