Local SEO - Rank #1 on Google Maps in (2024)!

Have you ever wondered how to get your local business to the top of Google Maps and bring in a flood of new customers? In this video, we’re diving deep into the most effective strategies for ranking #1 on Google Maps in 2024. Forget outdated tactics – we’ll show you exactly what’s working right now to get your business seen in the crucial Google three-pack. If you’re a local business owner serious about getting more leads and dominating your local market, you’re in the right place. Let’s get ranked!

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Episode Transcript

Chapters

  • 0:00 – Introduction and a Tribute to Darren Maran: A warm welcome and a tribute to a respected figure in the SEO industry.
  • 0:57 – The Importance of Ranking in the Google Maps Three-Pack: Understand why the Google three-pack is the most clicked area on Google for local searches and why ranking here is vital for new leads.
  • 1:50 – Defining Your Target Area: Learn how to use Google Maps to identify the specific geographical area you should focus on for your local SEO efforts. Understand why concentrating on this defined area for reviews, backlinks, and content is crucial.
  • 3:27 – The Necessity of an SEO Grid Program: Discover why a local SEO grid program is essential for tracking your Google Maps rankings in 2024. Explore options like Local Falcon, Local Dominator, Local Viking, and Bright Local.
  • 4:19 – The Three-Fold Ranking Method: The Triangle: Understand the three key components for ranking: your website, your Google Business Profile, and what clients are saying about you (reviews). See how these three elements work together.
  • 5:18 – Website Optimization for Local SEO: Learn how to optimize your website for local ranking by including your primary Google Business Profile (GBP) category and the city you’re targeting on your homepage. Understand the difference between national and local brand websites.
  • 7:30 – Key Website Elements for Local Ranking: Discover specific website elements you need to optimize, such as clear calls to action with the service and city, doubling up your phone number, and using relevant H tags that include your target keywords and location.
  • 8:40 – Adding Local Context to Your Homepage: Learn the importance of including a section on your homepage that talks about the specific area you serve and embedding your Google Business Profile map (not just the city map).
  • 9:19 – Optimizing Your Google Business Profile Categories on Your Website: Understand how to link your primary and secondary GBP categories on your homepage. Your homepage should primarily focus on your first GBP category and the city.
  • 10:10 – Structuring Your Website Links for Local SEO: Learn how to structure your website links, prioritizing keyword pages and service area pages after your main GBP category link.
  • 12:01 – The Importance of Relevant Images: Understand why using relevant pictures on your website is crucial and to avoid using personal photos that are not related to your services.
  • 12:18 – Building Local Backlinks: Discover the value of getting backlinks from other websites located within your target area, such as local organizations or attractions.
  • 13:01 – The Power of Location-Based Reviews: Learn how mentioning specific local landmarks or places within your service area in customer reviews can significantly help your rankings. Emphasize including your target keyword in the review as well.
  • 13:57 – Using SEO Grid Data to Target Review Locations: Understand how to use an SEO grid report to identify areas where you need more positive reviews for specific keywords. Encourage reviewers in those areas to mention local landmarks.
  • 16:33 – Leveraging Google Business Profile Updates for Untapped Areas: Discover how to use the “Add Update” feature in your Google Business Profile to target geographical areas where you are not currently ranking well. Talk about the services you provide in those specific areas and mention local points of interest. Post updates consistently (three to five times a week).
  • 18:50 – The Crucial First Step: The Scan (Grid Report): Reiterate that everything starts with running a grid report to understand your current rankings.
  • 19:22 – Verifying Google’s Defined Service Area: Learn how to check the red line on Google Maps to understand Google’s perception of your service area. All your SEO efforts should primarily focus within this boundary.
  • 20:10 – Consistent Implementation for Ranking Success: Emphasize that consistency is key to seeing significant improvements in your Google Maps rankings.
  • 20:57 – Final Encouragement and Closing: A final message of encouragement and the importance of family.

Key Takeaways and Actionable Steps

To rank #1 on Google Maps in 2024, implement these crucial steps:

  • Define Your Local Area: Use Google Maps to see the red boundary around your target city.
  • Invest in an SEO Grid Program: Get a tool like Local Falcon to track your rankings.
  • Optimize Your Website Homepage: Include your primary GBP category and target city prominently.
  • Double Your Phone Number: Make it easily visible multiple times on your website.
  • Create Service Area Pages: Develop dedicated pages for each area you serve.
  • Embed Your GBP Map: Add the Google Business Profile map to your homepage.
  • Get Location-Based, Keyword-Rich Reviews: Encourage customers to mention your services and local landmarks in their reviews, especially in areas where you need to improve rankings (identified by your grid report).
  • Utilize GBP Updates Strategically: Post three to five updates per week targeting areas where you aren’t ranking well, mentioning your services and local landmarks.
  • Build Local Backlinks: Seek opportunities to get links from other businesses and organizations within your defined service area.
  • Use Relevant Images: Ensure all images on your website and GBP are relevant to your services.
  • Focus Your H Tags: Use H tags on your website to highlight your services and target areas.
  • Run Regular Grid Reports: Continuously monitor your rankings to refine your strategy.

By consistently applying these powerful local SEO techniques, you can significantly improve your Google Maps rankings, attract more local customers, and grow your business in 2024. Remember to focus on your defined service area and continuously monitor your progress with an SEO grid program.

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