Do Google Maps and Local SEO Really Help Offline Businesses Grow?

The present-day business environment is basically digital and to operate successfully in such a scenario, it is essential even for offline businesses to have a strong online presence. If you have an offline business, you might be wondering “Can SEO and Google maps help offline businesses grow?” The answer to this query is “Yes”. Both local SEO and Google Maps are powerful tools that can help offline businesses become more visible to local customers, helping a business grow.

In this post, we will discuss how these two marketing tools work and how they can benefit your offline business. Read on for further insights.

Understanding the Concept of Local SEO

Local SEO is the process of optimizing a business for search engines which help it appear on search results when people are looking for products and services nearby. For example, when people look for “best furniture store near me”, Google displays furniture stores operating in that locality.  Local SEO helps people easily find your business when they are looking for the products and services that you offer in your area.

Local SEO includes the process of optimizing your business for Google My Business Profile, getting reviews from customers, and making sure the business information you have provided is accurate and up-to-date.

How Google Maps Helps Offline Businesses

Google Maps is a primary part of local SEO. When a customer searches for a business in a locality, Google Maps shows them the businesses nearby. It also gives users directions, contact information, as well as reviews.

Ways in Which Google Maps Can Help Your Business

Here are some ways in which Google Maps can help your offline business.

Increases Visibility

When you optimize your business for Google Maps and Local SEO, it makes it easier for local customers to find your business. For instance, if your business offers electrical services and someone searches for “electrician near me”, Google maps will show a list of businesses, including your business.

Provides Accurate Business Information

Google Maps shows accurate details of your business. These details include your address, website, phone numbers, operational hours etc. By keeping this information accurate and up-to-date, you can enable your customers to easily contact your store.

Displays Customer Reviews

Google maps encourage customers to trust your business by displaying customer reviews. When you provide your customers with positive experiences, they naturally write positive reviews and these reviews help build credibility and attract new buyers.  Customer reviews and ratings are particularly beneficial for offline businesses as they prove the business to be reliable.

Increases Foot Traffic

Google maps guide prospective customers to easily visit your business. Especially if your store is located in a busy area where there is huge competition from other businesses, Google Maps incorporated with SEO can attract a large number of customers to your business.

How SEO Helps Offline Businesses

Some owners of offline businesses may think that SEO is meant only for online businesses. But this is not the truth. SEO is vital for offline businesses too. Here are the reasons why:

SEO Increases Local Search Visibility

SEO makes your business visible to local customers and helps them easily find your business. Focus on SEO is essential as your business depends on your local customers and community. If you do not apply local SEO, customers who are looking for the products and services that you offer, may not be able to find your business.

Helps You to Target the Right Customers

By using local SEO, you can target the customers who are already looking for the products and services that you offer. With this targeted approach, you can expect higher conversion rates as the people you are targeting are already interested in what your business has to offer.

Helps Your Complete with Larger Businesses

Even if you operate a small size business, with the help of local SEO, you can compete with bigger companies. When you optimize your business for search engines using the right keywords, you can easily attract potential customers regardless of the size of your business.

Engages More Customers with Your Business

When people find your business through SEO, they can learn more about your business by reading website content, browsing through your offerings, and reading customer reviews. Such engagement increases brand awareness and allows you to engage with your prospective customers through newsletters, blog posts, special offers, and more. 

Best Practices for Google Maps and Local SEO

To receive the most benefits of Google Maps and local SEO for your business, you need to apply them strategically. Here is how you can let SEO help your business.

 Claim Your Google My Business Profile

Claim your Google Business Profile and incorporate all essential information about your business. Make sure the information you provide is accurate. Your GMB profile should include the proper name of your business, address, phone number, website and the hours of your operation. A GMB profile with accurate information increases your chances of ranking higher on search engines.

Incorporate Location-Specific Keywords

To make your local SEO work, it is essential for you to incorporate location-specific keywords. Use relevant location-based keywords in your website content, Meta titles, as well as blog posts. For example, if you run an organic food store in New Town, you can use phrases like “best organic food store in New Town”.

Request Customers to Share Reviews

Reviews can significantly impact how your business ranks on search engine results. They also help build trust and encourage your users to trust your business. Request happy customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB profile. Also make sure to respond to all kinds of reviews both positive and negative. This shows you value the experiences of your customers and are committed to offering the best products and services.

Maintain Consistent NAP Information

Maintaining NAP (Name Address Phone Number) consistency is another vital aspect of making sure your local SEO helps your business the best way. Make sure to include accurate NAP in your website, Social media profiles, and all business listing directories where you have listed your business. If your NAP is not consistent, it will confuse your target customers and make them think your business is not trustworthy at all.

Prepare Content for Your Local Audience

Preparing content based on local events, news, collaborations etc. can significantly increase the relevance of your business in your locality. Local content can easily attract more customers and also helps with ranking higher on search engines.

How DigitalBenz Can Help Your Business Grow with Local SEO

DigitalBenz is a top-notch digital marketing agency that specializes in helping offline businesses operate successfully through smart and effective digital marketing strategies. With our knowledge and years of experience, we maximize how SEO helps offline businesses. We have designed our SEO services to strengthen your online presence, attract more local customers, and increase your sales.

So, if you are the owner of an offline business and want to boost your presence on the internet, our expert team is here to help. Connect with us today to discuss your business goals and let us help you achieve them.