Google Map Optimization for Contractors

Now that you have claimed your Local Business Listing on Google, Yahoo and Bing, you need to take additional steps to improve your placement on the maps in your area.

• Establish a Consistent N.A.P. – You need to establish a consistent N.A.P. (Name, Address and Phone Number) profile across the web, on your own website, as well as on the major Data Providers (InfoUSA, Super Pages, Yelp, City Search, etc).
  • Consistent Name – Pick the format for your name and stick with it. Ex. "ER Contracting" not "Emergency Contracting Services".
  • Consistent Address – If your address is 1267 SW 29 St, Suite 10, you want to be sure that it reads that exact way - not 1267 SW 29 St #10.
  • Consistent Phone Number – You want to use the same phone number on each of these sites (if you don’t, it will hurt you).
  • Use a LOCAL number, not Toll Free.
  • Some of the Data Provider listings that you want to be sure that you are in include:
    • InfoUsa
    • Yelp
    • City Search
    • Super Pages
    • Insider Pages
• Get Reviews - reviews are a key determinant of placement within the Map Listings.
  • The number of reviews you have on your local listing is a key to your ranking.
  • As a practice, you need to request reviews from your customers on a regular basis. A strategy that we use follows a three pronged approach:
    • Send an initial email to your client database asking them to write a review for your company on Google, and provide them with the URL to your Google Places page.
    • Keep an ear out for Happy Customers and ask them if they would be willing to write a review. If so, get their email address at that moment and let them know that you will be sending them an email shortly with the link to write the review.
    • Have a “Review Us” card printed and give it to your customers after service.
• Build out your Places Page– You have the option to upload photos, videos and coupons.
  • Fill your Places page with quality content. Add all ten photos with pictures of the office, staff, the company logo, coupons/special offers, trucks, equipment, etc.
  • Upload a video or two. These videos don’t necessarily need to be high-definition or professionally produced. Break out your digital video camera or even your smart phone, and take a few choice shots. Record yourself (the owner or manager) explaining who the company is, what you do, and what your unique selling proposition is.
• Select the right categories – You have the option to choose up to five categories. It is very important to select the appropriate categories and/or add new custom categories as needed.
• Increase your citations– All things being equal, citations are another key determinant of placement. Just like in SEO where in-bound links aid ranking, Local Listings citations do as well. He who has the most quality citations wins.
  • Citations or listings across the web that contain your N.A.P. (name address and phone number), with or without a link.
  • In order to build up your citations:
    • Add yourself to the local directory sites where you are not currently listed.
      • InfoUsa
      • Yelp
      • City Search
      • Super Pages
      • Insider Pages
      • Search for “your industry, Directory”
      • Search “Your City, Direcotry”
    • Look at the listings of the people who have Spot A, B and C on the Map for your services, and analyze their citations. In many cases, you can go out and get those same citations!

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