Local SEO 2023: How To Get More Local Business Calls using Google Maps- 2023

Have you focused so much on ranking in Google Maps that you’ve forgotten about the importance of phone calls and qualified leads for your local business? In this video, Brett from Mindsaw shares crucial insights on how to shift your focus from just “greening out” the map to actually driving more calls and business through your Google Business Profile. You’ll learn actionable steps to understand your current call volume, expand your reach effectively, and optimize your online presence for tangible results. If you’re ready to get more than just rankings and start getting more customers on the phone, this video is for you.

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

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

Episode Transcript

Timeline

  • 0:00 – Intro: The Focus on Calls Over Rankings – The video kicks off by highlighting the common mistake of focusing solely on Google Maps rankings (“Greening out”) and emphasizes the real goal: getting more phone calls and qualified leads.
  • 0:34 – The Google 3 Pack and Call Volume Challenges – Brett explains his expertise in getting clients into the Google 3 Pack. He points out that sometimes ranking well doesn’t always translate to a high call volume.
  • 1:29 – Understanding Proximity and Competition – Learn about the concept of proximity in local SEO (typically a 10-20 mile radius) and how Google determines your reach based on your competition. The video explains how to use tools like Local Falcon (affiliate link in the description of the original video) to check your competition’s reach. It also highlights that highly competitive areas like New York City for lawyers might have a much smaller radius.
  • 4:34 – Checking Your Google Business Profile Performance – This section guides you on how to access your Google Business Profile by going to business.google.com. It specifically shows you where to click on “Performance” to check your call volume data from April to September (as per the video’s recording time).
  • 5:16 – Tracking Calls and Setting Monthly Goals – Discover how agencies track call volume alongside map rankings. The video emphasizes that call volume is a critical metric. Mindsaw uses a system like ClickUp to monitor the average call volume over the last three months and aims to improve it by 10 to 15% each month.
  • 7:14 – The “Traffic Light System” for Client Call Volume – Understand how Mindsaw categorizes clients based on their call volume using a traffic light system (red, yellow, green) to identify accounts needing more attention.
  • 8:46 – The Importance of Call Volume Over Rankings Alone – Brett reiterates that strong rankings without corresponding phone calls are not truly effective. He stresses the need to monitor and improve call volume.
  • 9:16 – Mobile vs. Desktop Calls from GMB – It’s important to note that the call data in Google Business Profile performance primarily reflects calls made from mobile devices by users who tapped the “call” button directly from your GMB listing. This doesn’t include website calls from desktop users, meaning your actual call volume is likely higher.
  • 10:16 – Strategies to Increase Phone Calls and Leads – If you’re not getting enough calls, the video suggests several strategies:
    • Vary your keywords.
    • Create pages on different keywords.
    • Add relevant keywords (e.g., “best,” “affordable”) to your website’s H tags, meta titles, and text.
    • Add the same keywords to your Google Business Profile.
    • Implement the “triangle method”: use consistent keywords on your website, GMB, GMB posts, and in your customer reviews.
    • See if you can expand your service area using grid tools like Local Falcon.
  • 11:34 – The Necessity of Using a Grid Tool for Maps SEO – The video emphasizes that using a grid tool like Local Falcon, Local Viking, or Local Dominator is essential for effective Maps SEO. These tools help you understand your ranking and your competition’s reach.
  • 12:11 – The Goal: Consistent Monthly Improvement in Calls – The ultimate goal should be to improve your phone calls by 10 to 15% every single month.
  • 12:18 – Outro and Call to Action – The video concludes with a reminder to focus on what truly matters (getting calls) and encourages viewers to like and subscribe to the channel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Don’t just focus on ranking in Google Maps (“Greening out”); prioritize getting phone calls and qualified leads.
  • Regularly check your call volume in your Google Business Profile Performance section (business.google.com).
  • Track your monthly call volume and aim for a consistent improvement of 10-15%.
  • Your GMB call data primarily reflects mobile users who tapped to call; your total calls are likely higher.
  • Optimize your website and Google Business Profile with relevant keywords, and encourage customers to use these keywords in their reviews (the “triangle method”).
  • Use a local SEO grid tool like Local Falcon to analyze your ranking and your competitors’ reach to identify opportunities for expansion.
  • If you’re not getting enough calls, consider varying your keywords and expanding your service area.
  • Pay attention to your call volume, as strong rankings alone don’t guarantee
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