Google Maps SEO 2024 {Rank 69.9%} Higher with Bard AI

Hey there, and welcome! Are you striving to boost your local business ranking on Google Maps in 2024? In this video, we’re diving into a powerful and straightforward method that leverages Google’s own AI, Bard, to potentially get your business ranking significantly higher in the local search results and the coveted Google 3-pack. Brett Mleta from Mindsaw shares a neat technique he’s been using to help his clients improve their Google Maps presence. If you’re looking for that extra push to get seen by more local customers, then you’re in the right place to learn how Bard can be your secret weapon!

Explore more on my website: https://mindsaw.com/

Check out my channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Mindsaw

Episode Transcript

 

The Quest for the Google 3-Pack

Like many local businesses, your goal is likely to be found prominently in the Google 3-pack. This prime real estate captures the attention of users searching for local services, making it crucial for generating leads and customers. While optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) and website are fundamental, this video will explore how using Bard can offer an additional edge to help you break into and stay within this top tier of local search results.

Understanding Your Current Ranking Landscape with an SEO Grid Program

Before you can effectively improve your ranking, you need to know where you currently stand. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using an SEO grid program. These tools, such as Local Falcon (the recommended and used program), provide a visual map of your business’s ranking for specific keywords across different locations in your target area.

  • An SEO grid program illustrates your ranking in a grid format, showing how visible you are in different parts of your town or city.
  • For example, you might rank well where your business is registered but be much lower (or not visible at all) just a few miles away. Driving just 5 or 10 miles away can completely change your Google Maps listing.
  • Local Falcon is highlighted as an easy-to-use option, with a link potentially available in the video description. You can also go directly to Local Falcon’s website.
  • Using a grid program helps you identify areas where you are not being found on Google Maps, even if someone is relatively close to your main location.

The Bard Advantage: Getting Insights for Improvement

Google has its own AI version similar to ChatGPT, and it’s called Bard. You can access it by going to bard.google.com. It’s described as a super easy-to-use tool where you can simply type in your questions. The speaker even shares a personal anecdote about interacting with Bard, sometimes jokingly calling it “B”.

The core strategy involves leveraging Bard to gain insights into how to improve your Google Maps ranking. The speaker shares his experience of asking Bard to analyze the top three Google Business Listings in his target area (zip code 33782 for a roofing contractor).

  • Initially, Bard provided generic advice like claiming and optimizing your GBP.
  • To get more specific and actionable information, the speaker prompted Bard to analyze three Google Business Listings of competitors that were already ranking well.
  • He then asked Bard to identify what he (or a client) might be missing compared to these top-ranking businesses.
  • Bard, being a Google product, is considered a trustworthy source of information regarding what Google looks for in local rankings.

Bard’s Analysis: Key Areas for Improvement

While Bard initially indicated it needed more information (specifically, details about the business trying to rank), once provided with a competitor’s information (JDI Roofing and Contracting), it offered valuable insights. Bard identified both the strengths of the competitor (clear and concise information, broad range of services) and, more importantly, areas for improvement for someone looking to rank higher. These areas include:

  • Adding more description and highlighting unique selling points (USPs) such as experience, customer service, and warranties. Google looks for these elements to build trust in your website and rank it higher in Google Maps.
  • Utilizing relevant keywords in your description and categories, emphasizing using the area and the keyword you’re trying to rank (e.g., “Pinellas Park residential roofing”).
  • Showcasing high-quality photos of your work both on your website and in your Google Business Profile.
  • Emphasizing your commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Including relevant keywords throughout your online presence.
  • Building local backlinks by getting listed on directories, website community forums, and other local business pages within the town you’re targeting. The speaker suggests searching for “[your town name] directory” to find these local listings.
  • Gathering more reviews.
  • Showing high-quality photos of completed projects and satisfied customers, even suggesting taking pictures with customers after finishing a job.
  • Considering drone footage of your work.
  • Exploring social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to share content and engage with local communities and customers online.

Taking Action: Implementing Bard’s Recommendations

The speaker emphasizes that sometimes, even after optimizing your website and GBP and getting recent reviews, you need that little extra push to improve your ranking. Using Bard to analyze competitors can provide that missing piece.

The process involves:

  1. Identifying your top-ranking competitors in Google Maps for your target keywords.
  2. Going to bard.google.com.
  3. Asking Bard to analyze these top competitors and identify what you need to do to rank similarly or higher. A prompt like, “Hey Bard, look at these businesses that are ranking. What do I need to do?” can be effective.
  4. Bard will then provide information specific to your situation based on the analysis.
  5. Implementing these actionable insights could be the key to getting you “over the hump” and improving your Google Maps ranking.

This method is described as quick, free, and accessible to anyone. By utilizing Bard in this way, you’re gaining valuable, Google-informed suggestions to enhance your local SEO efforts.

If you’re ready to leverage the power of Google Bard to potentially rank higher on Google Maps in 2024, be sure to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more cutting-edge local SEO strategies! Don’t forget to head over to bard.google.com and start experimenting with analyzing your top competitors today. Remember, taking small, informed actions based on insights from tools like Bard can lead to significant improvements in your local visibility and help you connect with more customers in your area.