Local SEO 2024- {Do It Yourself} - Rank On Google Maps Fast

Welcome! Are you ready to take control of your local SEO and skyrocket your Google Maps ranking in 2024? In this insightful video from Mindsaw, you’ll learn a do-it-yourself approach to effectively rank your business on Google Maps, even if you’ve had frustrating experiences with SEO firms in the past or are just starting a new business. Discover the essential tools and step-by-step strategies to boost your visibility, attract local customers, and outrank your competition in the crucial Google Maps section.

Below, we’ve broken down the key takeaways from Mindsaw’s video into a structured guide, empowering you to implement these local SEO tactics yourself and achieve faster rankings on Google Maps. As Mindsaw dedicates this video to his friend Darren, we hope this information empowers you to succeed and grow your business.

Key Areas for DIY Google Maps Ranking Covered:

  • The Importance of Measuring Your Current Ranking with SEO Grid Software (2:28)
  • Step 1: Powering Up with Press Releases (5:03)
  • Step 2 & 3A: Optimizing Your Website and Google Business Profile Categories (10:17)
  • Step 3: Structuring Your Website for Local SEO Success (12:26)
  • Step 4 & 4A: Mastering Your Google Business Profile (24:11)
  • The Critical Role of Reviews (28:09)

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

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

Episode Transcript

 

Your DIY Local SEO Action Plan:

  1. The Importance of Measuring Your Current Ranking with SEO Grid Software (2:28)

Mindsaw emphasizes that the very first step in any effective Google Maps ranking strategy is to understand your current ranking and that of your competitors. This requires using an SEO grid software, which acts as a “measuring device” to see how far your business ranks in your local area for specific keywords.

  • Why is this crucial? Without this data, any subsequent SEO efforts will be like shooting in the dark. You won’t know where you’re starting from or how your efforts are impacting your visibility across different locations in your service area.
  • Recommended SEO Grid Software: Mindsaw recommends several options:
    • Local Falcon: He personally uses this and mentions it costs around $24 a month with an affiliate link in the video description.
    • Bright Local: Another grid map software with additional features.
    • Local Viking: A more technical option that works with the Google API, potentially yielding slightly different results but very effective for those with some technical knowledge.
    • Local Dominator: A newer software that Mindsaw has heard good things about.
  • Your Action: Choose an SEO grid software that suits your needs and budget and start mapping your current Google Maps ranking for your target keywords. This will also show you how far your competition is ranking.
  1. Step 1: Powering Up with Press Releases (5:03)

Once you have your SEO grid software set up, Mindsaw recommends leveraging the power of press releases.

  • Benefits of Press Releases for Local SEO:
    • Increased Visibility: Your business information can appear on numerous news websites.
    • Backlinks: Press releases often include links back to your website, which are valuable for SEO.
    • Boost Organic Traffic: Readers of the press release may click the link and visit your website.
    • Local Citations (NAP): A well-written press release will include your Name, Address, Phone number, and Website (NAP), which acts as a local citation. Ensure this information is accurate and consistent.
  • What to Write About? Your press release can highlight:
    • A new service you’re offering.
    • A new hire at your business.
    • A community event or charity involvement.
    • Any newsworthy development about your business.
  • Content Length: Aim for a press release between 750 and 1000 words.
  • Where to Get Press Release Services:
    • Quantum Wire.app: Mindsaw mentions this as a service they’ve been using, noting that press releases tend to stay on news sites for around 90 days.
    • Web 20 Ranker: They offer press release kits and will write the article for you. Look for the “Press & Media” section on their website.
    • Fiverr: If you’re on a tighter budget, you can find freelance press release distribution services on Fiverr. Look for sellers with good ratings and ensure they distribute to the US if that’s your target audience.
  • Crucial Tip: Ensure Indexing: When using a press release service, confirm that the links in the distributed articles will be indexed by Google. Non-indexed links provide little SEO value.
  • Your Action: Choose a press release service and create a compelling news story about your business, ensuring your NAP and website link are included. Verify that the distribution includes indexing.
  1. Step 2 & 3A: Optimizing Your Website and Google Business Profile Categories (10:17)

Before making significant changes to your website, Mindsaw stresses the importance of identifying the correct Google Business Profile (GBP) categories for your business.

  • Using GMB Everywhere: Install the GMB Everywhere Chrome extension (free or paid version) to see the GBP categories your top competitors are using for your target keywords (e.g., “plumber St Petersburg”).
  • Selecting Your Categories: Mindsaw suggests using no more than five GBP categories to avoid diluting your focus.
  • Your Action: Research your competitors’ GBP categories using GMB Everywhere and select the most relevant categories (aim for around five) for your business.
  1. Step 3: Structuring Your Website for Local SEO Success (12:26)

Mindsaw provides a detailed breakdown of how your website should be structured to align with your GBP and improve local rankings. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you do and where you’re from.

  • Above the Fold Optimization:
    • Clear Logo: Prominently displayed.
    • Address: Your business address should be visible near the logo.
    • Phone Number: A large, clickable phone number should be easily accessible, especially on mobile.
    • Call to Action: A prominent call to action (e.g., “Call Us”) should be above the fold.
  • Navigation Menu Structure:
    • First Set of Links (GMB Categories): Your first set of navigation links should be your primary GBP categories. Do not use “Home” or “About Us” as the first links.
      • Your main GBP category should ideally be reflected on your homepage with your location (e.g., “Divorce Lawyer Staten Island New York”).
      • Subsequent links should be your other GBP categories (e.g., “Contractor,” “Drainage Service” as dropdowns under “Plumber” if that’s your primary category).
    • Second Set of Links (Keyword Pages/Practice Areas): This section should link to your specific keyword pages that you are trying to rank for (e.g., “24-Hour Plumbing Service,” “Cabinet Installation”).
    • Third Set of Links (Areas We Serve): Link to pages dedicated to the specific local areas, towns, and cities you serve (within a reasonable radius, e.g., 3-10 miles, depending on your location). Include smaller cities and towns around your main location.
    • Subsequent Links: After these three crucial sections, you can include links like “About Us,” “FAQ,” “Meet the Team,” etc..
    • Last Link: Contact Us: Your “Contact Us” page should always be the last link in your main navigation.
  • Homepage Content:
    • Your homepage’s H tags should primarily focus on what you do and where you’re from. Use variations of your main keyword and location (e.g., “Top-Rated Divorce Lawyer Staten Island,” “Five-Star Rated Divorce Lawyer Staten Island”).
    • Repeat Call to Action: Include call-to-action buttons throughout your website, not just at the top.
    • Embed a Google Business Profile Map: Embed a Google Business Profile map (not just a regular Google Map) onto your website. Search on YouTube for instructions on how to do this for your specific website platform (e.g., WordPress).
    • Showcase Yourself (If Applicable): If you are a service-based business like a lawyer or pressure washer, consider including a professional picture of yourself on your website to build trust.
  • Areas We Serve Page Optimization: On your service area pages, clearly state that you serve that specific area and even include a relevant local image.
  1. Step 4 & 4A: Mastering Your Google Business Profile (24:11)

Mindsaw highlights the user-friendly nature of the Google Business Profile and provides key optimization tips.

  • Basic Information: Ensure all sections of your GBP are completely and accurately filled out. This includes your categories (as determined in step 2 & 3A) and a detailed description that includes what you do and where you do it.
  • Hours of Operation: List your business hours exactly as they appear in your GBP on your website (footer, contact page, or both). List each day individually (e.g., Mon: 9 AM – 5 PM, Tue: 9 AM – 5 PM) rather than using ranges (e.g., Mon-Fri 9-5).
  • Edit Services: This is a crucial section to input all your keyword pages (from your website’s second set of navigation links). Include a description for each service, further reinforcing your offerings.
  • Google Posts (Add an Update): Regularly create Google Posts (updates) 3-5 times per week.
    • Include a relevant picture showcasing your location or services.
    • Write a description that includes your keywords and location, focusing on the specific service you’re highlighting in the post.
    • Always include a call-to-action button in your posts.
  1. The Critical Role of Reviews (28:09)

Mindsaw emphasizes that reviews are extremely important for ranking and attracting customers on Google Maps.

  • Review Volume and Star Rating: Pay attention to the number of reviews and the average star rating of your competitors for your target keywords. It’s important to be realistic about the competition.
  • Asking for Reviews: Make it easy for satisfied customers to leave reviews. In your GBP dashboard, click “Ask for review” to get a direct link you can share.
  • Focus on Genuine Reviews: While there are discussions about reviews not sticking, Mindsaw focuses on the basics: actively asking happy customers for their feedback.
  • Your Action: Make a consistent effort to ask your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile.

Take Action and Rank Higher on Google Maps!

By implementing these DIY local SEO strategies from Mindsaw, you can take significant steps towards improving your Google Maps ranking in 2024. Remember to start by measuring your current position, then focus on press releases, optimizing your website structure and content to align with your GBP categories and services, mastering your Google Business Profile, and consistently working on getting reviews.

What’s the first DIY local SEO tactic from Mindsaw that you’re going to implement? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

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