The Top Small Business Benefits of Google Maps

Google Maps (GM) has become a staple for millions of users looking to find a destination. And it can boost small business traffic through local search features. How can GM help your small business get found by prospective customers? First of all, embedding a Google Maps widget on your website helps optimize the pages where the map is placed, providing better search engine rankings.

Nearly 40% of foot traffic shoppers use mobile devices to find competitive products while in a store. Mobile buyers often use GM to locate nearby products. Google Maps users can quickly find your business, browse your products, and locate your storefront while in your neighborhood.

When they search for products consumers often look for local options. The Google Maps application provides a location “pin” which represents your company’s physical presence. Then, with the directions component, users can follow a route directly to your store or office.

The street view setting allows prospective customers to view your storefront and surrounding area, which makes it easy for visitors to visually recognize your location. This feature – with its panoramic view – can draw customers who may wish to visit neighboring businesses.

Social media sites allow business owners to add Google Maps to their company pages so browsers can find your shop while connecting through Facebook, etc. And Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter aren’t the only social sites for sharing business information: GM can be used to share your location with others. Friends can easily share a map highlighting your business by using the link feature that sends a map via email or instant message.

Google Maps is also a way to draw customers to you who know the product category they are seeking but are not familiar with your company or its products. By registering with GM your business will pop up when search terms are used. For example, when a user types “bicycle repair”, local businesses that provide that service appear as pins on the map.

Businesses with multiple locations can benefit by listing all presences. When a search is conducted the GM app displays all registered listings, which helps connect buyers to the nearest location.

Information about your company can be entered when you register your business with Google Maps. Payment options, business description, and operating hours can all be displayed when a map user selects your business. You can also provide a website link and contact details.

One of the most useful features is photo uploads. You can post product images, employee or store pictures, or other business images. GM also has a review section where customers can comment on your business. Most web searchers rely on reviews when they make buying decisions so this can be another way to draw business to your door.

Finally, each listing with Google Maps adds your locations to other Google products, such as Google Shopping and Google +. This can increase traffic to your website and your storefront. GM also helps customers avoid travel delays by depicting traffic flow with colors along routes to your store.

Best of all, most GM listing services are free. Our Motoza SEO experts can boost the effectiveness of Google Maps for your small business. Find out how – contact us today!