Local Google Business Map results?

[Paul Davidson]

Hi Guys,

I am making an effort to promote some local business' on Google, i am trying to get them some first page results, which depending on the business can be acheivable.

But The page always seems totally dominated by the Google Local Business Map results at the top of the page.

Is there any way of working up the local business list to the top 10 of the local map business listings which are shown on the first page, because results underneath this will almost never be seen!

It was recomended to me to do a comprehensive job of filling the local google business map page with as much info and pictures as possible, which is obviously a great idea, but will this alone help move a customer into the top 10, on the first page?

Any advise or ideas would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Paul

[mloveridge17]

Hey Paul,

Whoever recommended the previous suggestions (filling out the local business map page with info, pictures, recommendations, etc...) is spot on.

What I've seen is that the closer your business location is to the actual spot on the map Google has chosen as the "central location," the better you'll do in the rankings. This means you've got to choose a "local area" that you want to rank well for, and optimize for that. If you can't move your business, one suggestion might be to get a PO Box that is closer to the "center."

Another really good recommendation is to have a Toll Free number on your business (800, 866, 888, etc...). While it may not necessarily help with the ranking, it seems to have an impact on conversions - customers still like to call 800 numbers, especially if they are from out-of-town.

Good luck Paul!

[Paul Davidson]

Thanks for the advice!

Now that makes a lot of sense, when someone searches an area, Town or City, Google maps picks from the central point of that location searched and lists the registered businesses closest to that specific location!

So as an example when someone searches Google for e.g Chinese Restaurant Manchester, Google will list the registered Chinese Restaurant who are closest to the central postcode point of Manchester centre!

So in reality business's out side of a central point within a town or city will often have no chance of top 10 position within the Local Google Business Map reslts unless someone specify's a specific area within the city or a specific postcode! Interesting, not great news but interesting none the less.

Ok, maybe some accidental central area postcodes may help us get within the top 10 of the Google maps results!

Mant thanks

Paul

[Richard Odell]

The real secret?

Get a back-link from another local website. Google is looking for confirmation from relevant local sources; not a back-link from a site a million miles away, even if it does have high PR.

There's a different mindset to be had in off-line marketing

-Rich

[Paul Davidson]

Thanks Richard,

Local links, i am sure with a little imagination i can come up with a few of them without too much stress!

Your tip is much appreciated, i kind of sussed i may not have that correct as i looked for a care hire company, and a company based a couple of miles out of the centre was number 1 (in the business google maps section) There is definately a few care hire companies in the actual centre.

So your comment was good to read as i realised i was talking*(@*!

Any more Local SEO Tips would be much appreciated!

Once again, many thanks

Paul