Local SEO 2023 Learn How To Rank In Google Maps in 6 Minutes
Are you looking to boost your local business’s visibility on Google Maps? In this fast-paced video, we’re diving into the key steps you need to take in 2023 to improve your local SEO and rank in the coveted Google three-pack. Based on over 50 hours of research, we’ll break down actionable strategies you can implement quickly. Watch now to learn how to get your business seen by more local customers!
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Episode Transcript
Chapters
- 0:00 – Introduction and Goal: Learn what this video will cover – actionable local SEO strategies for ranking in the Google three-pack. The video focuses on the keyword “roofer” in “Texas” as an example, which you can replace with your own keyword and city.
- 0:24 – Analyzing the Google Three-Pack for Review Count: The first crucial step is to search your target keyword on Google and analyze the top three listings in the Google Maps three-pack. Pay close attention to the number of reviews each of these businesses has.
- 0:40 – Strategizing Based on Competitor Reviews: If you’re a new business, it might be difficult to compete with businesses having hundreds of reviews. The advice is to consider targeting less competitive keywords like “roof replacement” or a specific type of roof initially.
- 0:59 – Targeting Competitors with Fewer Reviews: Ideally, you should aim to compete with businesses in the Google three-pack that have less than 50 reviews [2, 59-1:07, 10]. While you might rank with just 10-12 reviews, having significantly fewer reviews than your competition will likely result in fewer calls [2, 1:07-1:24, 10].
- 1:26 – Utilizing an SEO Grid Program: The second essential tool is an SEO grid program, like SEO grid Pro, which helps you track your website’s ranking and see how far your competitors are ranking geographically [2, 1:26-1:46, 11]. This answers the common client question of how far they can realistically rank for a specific keyword [2, 1:46-1:55, 11].
- 2:02 – Optimizing Your Website for Local SEO: The video analyzes a website ranking in the 8th or 9th position and identifies key optimization opportunities [3, 2:02-2:13, 12].
- Title Tag Optimization: The first recommendation is to include your primary keyword (e.g., “roofer”) in the title tag of your homepage instead of generic terms like “genuine Tex Texas Interiors home exterior contractor” [3, 2:13-2:36, 12]. Your title tag should clearly state what you do and where you do it [6, 5:19-5:26, 17].
- H Tag Optimization: Next, you should change all your H tags to include your primary keyword (e.g., “roofer”) instead of broader terms like “Texas exteriors” [3, 2:36-2:46, 13]. In all H tags, ensure you’re talking about what you do and your service area (e.g., “roofer in Central Texas”) [4, 2:57-3:07, 13].
- Content Optimization: Replace vague sections like “service award” with content that includes your keywords. For instance, instead of just “service awards,” use “service awards for roofing in Central Texas” [3, 2:49-3:22, 13-14]. Phrases like “who we are” and “client testimonials” should be optimized to “who is Texas Exterior Roofing Specialists” and “client roofer testimonials” [4, 3:22-3:53, 14-15]. The homepage needs significantly more content that clearly signals to Google what you do and where you do it [4, 5, 3:53-4:02, 15].
- 4:02 – Optimizing Your Google Business Profile Categories: Ensuring you have the proper categories in your Google Business Profile is the next crucial step [5, 4:02-4:10, 15]. You can access this by going to business.google.com and clicking “edit profile” [5, 4:10-4:18, 15].
- 4:18 – Finding Your Competitors’ Categories: You can use a free Chrome extension called GMB Everywhere to see the categories your competition is using [5, 4:18-4:49, 16-17]. However, Google itself provides the first category of your competitors. In the example, “roofing contractor” is the correct primary category for a roofer.
- 5:37 – Creating Relevant Content: Finally, you need to write content that incorporates related keywords and your service area [6, 7, 5:37-6:08, 18-19]. The video demonstrates using ChatGPT to create a list of related words, cities, and neighborhoods for “roofer and Central Texas” [6, 7, 5:41-6:08, 18-19]. This list can then be used to generate website content [7, 6:08-6:38, 19].
- 6:38 – Closing Dedication: A personal dedication to Darren, an SEO Guru, who inspired the creation of these videos [7, 6:38-6:57, 20].
Key Takeaways and Actionable Steps
To improve your local SEO in 2023 and rank higher in Google Maps, remember these key steps:
- Analyze Competitor Reviews: Check the Google three-pack for your target keyword and see how many reviews the top businesses have. If you’re new, consider less competitive keywords initially.
- Invest in an SEO Grid Program: Use a tool like SEO grid Pro to track your ranking progress and see your competitors’ reach.
- Optimize Your Website Title Tag: Include your primary keyword and service area in your homepage title tag.
- Optimize Your Website H Tags: Use relevant keywords and your location in your H tags.
- Enhance Your Website Content: Ensure your website content clearly states what you do and where you do it, using relevant keywords throughout.
- Correct Your Google Business Profile Category: Make sure your primary Google Business Profile category accurately reflects your core business (e.g., “roofing contractor”).
- Create Keyword-Rich Content: Develop website content using lists of related keywords, cities, and neighborhoods, potentially with the help of tools like ChatGPT.
By focusing on these foundational elements of local SEO, you can significantly improve your chances of ranking in the Google Maps three-pack in 2023 and attracting more local customers to your business. Remember that consistent effort and attention to these details are key to achieving your local SEO goals.