Keywords in Google Maps: How to Use Them Correctly
Our clients often ask us many questions when evaluating the effectiveness of our work in promoting their business on Google Maps. And that’s completely normal! We understand that everyone wants quick results, especially when investing time and money in the process.
In our work, we strive to add keywords that are genuinely important for the business. We do this through various mechanisms: inserting them into the company profile, within descriptive texts, and even in responses to reviews. The main goal is to ensure that the business appears more frequently in Google Maps searches, attracting more customers.
However, it’s important to clarify something from the outset. Many times, after we complete our work and provide the client with all the details, they check their profile’s visibility by searching for a specific keyword and ask: “Why am I not in the first position?” or “Why am I not ranking first for this keyword?” We understand this, as everyone wants to see immediate results.
However, Google Maps operates a little differently. Its algorithms do not update instantly, and it is crucial to understand that ranking is not a one-time action but a process. That’s why I’m writing this article—to explain how keyword integration, indexing, and ranking on Google Maps work.
How to Use Keywords in Google Maps Effectively?
To ensure that your business profile is associated with the right keywords, follow these important steps:
- Identify a list of relevant keywords for your business.
- Select no more than 10-20 primary keywords, as Google cannot “digest” too many at once.
- Use these keywords in service and product descriptions.
If you don’t already have texts for your services or products, we can help create them. If they exist, we will optimize them to include relevant keywords. This applies not only to descriptions but also to publishing business information on other platforms: social media, business directories, and services like YouTube and TikTok. The more useful external links you have, the higher the chances that your profile will rank well on Google Maps.
Using Artificial Intelligence for Content Creation
AI is currently a major trend, and we use it too. However, it’s not just about generating content—it’s about ensuring its quality. Google has become highly proficient at distinguishing between “real” content and automatically generated text. If you simply insert a string of keywords without logic and context, it won’t work. That’s why our team always edits and optimizes AI-generated texts to meet Google’s standards.
The Role of Reviews in Ranking
Keywords can also be extracted from customer reviews. That’s why it’s essential not to underestimate the power of reviews. We always recommend encouraging customers to leave honest reviews containing relevant keywords. Even better, respond to those reviews strategically by incorporating important keywords. This is one of the most effective methods of improving rankings.
How Long Does Ranking Take?
So, how long does it take to see results? When it comes to keywords, the first noticeable improvements typically appear within 2-3 months. Why so long? Because Google Maps has its own ranking algorithm, which does not update daily. Unlike a website, where indexing can be expedited using special tools, the same approach does not apply to Google Maps.
The Role of Your Website in Ranking
Another important factor is your website. It is the second most significant ranking element after the Google Business Profile. Why? Because a website provides an additional signal to Google’s algorithms that your business is active. Your website should include:
- Specialized microdata markup.
- Content that incorporates relevant keywords.
This aspect is usually not included in standard ranking services, but we offer additional services such as Service Page and Local Page. We create the necessary pages, write optimized texts, select images, configure metadata, and implement microdata markup to enhance your website’s search engine ranking.
Why Continuous Optimization is Essential
Google Maps ranking is an ongoing process that requires constant attention. In the past, from 2017 to 2020, simply uploading 360° panoramic images could significantly boost rankings. At that time, it contributed up to 40% of ranking factors. Today, however, this influence has dropped to around 5-6%. Algorithms change constantly, and staying updated is crucial.
If you want to stay ahead of your competitors, it’s important to keep track of all Google updates. Subscribe to our channel, follow our blog, and your business will always be one step ahead!
