Local SEO in 2024 - Mastering Google Maps {Basics in 2024}

Are you ready to take your local business to the next level by dominating Google Maps? In this video, we’re breaking down the essential steps to master Google Maps in 2024. We’ll guide you through a do-it-yourself process to help you understand where you currently rank and what foundational strategies you need to implement for better visibility in local search results. Let’s dive into the basics and get you on the path to ranking higher!

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Episode Transcript

Chapters

  • 0:00 – Introduction and Dedication: Welcome and a special dedication to Darren Maran.
  • 0:30 – Understanding Your Starting Point with Local Falcon: Learn why a tool like Local Falcon is crucial as an “x-ray” for your Google Maps ranking. Discover how it helps you see your current ranking radius.
  • 1:25 – The Necessity of an SEO Grid Program: Understand that you cannot effectively do local SEO without an SEO grid program like Local Falcon to track your progress.
  • 1:55 – Finding the Best Keywords with ChatGPT: Discover how to use ChatGPT to identify relevant Google Business keywords for your specific business, such as “24hour Urgent Care in Honolulu.” Explore alternative keyword research tools as well.
  • 2:51 – Matching Keywords to Your Google Business Profile Categories: Learn the critical step of aligning your chosen keywords with the correct Google Business Profile (GBP) categories. Understand why your GBP category needs to be relevant to your keywords to rank effectively.
  • 4:30 – Updating Your Google Business Profile Categories: See exactly how to edit your Google Business Profile to add the relevant GBP categories that match your chosen keywords.
  • 6:18 – The Importance of Website Consistency with Your GBP: Understand why everything you add to your Google Business Profile needs to be reflected on your website.
  • 6:42 – Structuring Your Website for Local SEO Success: Learn how to redesign your website menu to prioritize your GBP categories, keyword pages, and service area pages in the first three links.
    • First Link: Pages for each of your GBP categories (e.g., Urgent Care Center, Medical Center, Walk-in Clinic).
    • Second Link: Pages for your target keywords (e.g., 24-hour urgent care, emergency medical, walk-in clinic) as a dropdown.
    • Third Link: Pages dedicated to the areas you serve (nearby cities), with in-depth content potentially generated by ChatGPT.
  • 9:12 – Essential Website Elements: Remember to always include a prominent phone number and information on accepted credit cards on your website.
  • 9:26 – Building Citations (NAP Consistency): Discover the importance of listing your business in relevant online directories with consistent Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP). Explore resources like Moz for top citation sites by category (e.g., Healthgrades for doctors).
  • 11:16 – Buying Additional Citations: Understand the option of purchasing citations from services like Citation Vault or Fiverr to further verify your business location to Google. Be mindful of avoiding duplication and informing the provider of your existing citations.
  • 12:24 – The Three Pillars of Local Ranking: Learn the three fundamental things you need to rank:
    • A website that clearly states your business (e.g., walk-in clinic).
    • Your Google Business Profile that also reflects your business (e.g., walk-in clinic).
    • Customer signals, primarily reviews, that indicate you are the business they are looking for in your location.
  • 14:17 – The Bigger Picture: Helping Your Business Grow: Understand the motivation behind these strategies – to help your business thrive so you can achieve your broader goals.

Key Takeaways and Actionable Steps

To master the basics of Google Maps ranking in 2024, follow these key steps:

  • Invest in an SEO Grid Program: Start by purchasing a tool like Local Falcon to get an initial understanding of your ranking.
  • Identify Core Keywords: Use tools like ChatGPT to find five relevant keywords for your business.
  • Determine Matching GBP Categories: For each keyword, identify the most appropriate Google Business Profile category.
  • Update Your GBP: Go to business.google.com and edit your profile to add these GBP categories in the correct order.
  • Optimize Your Website Structure: Reorganize your website menu to feature GBP category pages, keyword pages, and service area pages as the first three links.
  • Ensure NAP Consistency: List your business in relevant online directories (like Healthgrades, Yelp, Facebook) with accurate and consistent name, address, and phone number.
  • Consider Buying Citations: Explore services like Citation Vault or Fiverr to build additional citations, being careful not to duplicate existing ones.
  • Focus on the Three Ranking Factors: Continuously work on your website, Google Business Profile, and actively encourage customer reviews, especially those mentioning your services and location.

By implementing these fundamental local SEO strategies, you’ll build a strong foundation for ranking higher in Google Maps in 2024 and attracting more local customers to your business. Remember that consistency and a focus on these core elements are key to long-term success.

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