If you're attempting to establish your online presence and become noticeable in search results, you've surely heard of Google Maps and backlinks. However, let's be realistic: any website or Google Maps listing isn't insufficient. You must have the right tactics behind you to raise the rankings and keep your competition at bay.
Perhaps one of the most utilitarian is ‘InRank,’ which helps you with this. And not so much any backlinks; we're talking about quality backlinks. Many smart business owners like to ‘buy quality backlinks’ to provide that website the boost it needs in Google search results.
But always claim, verify, and populate your Google Business Profile with accurate information, then reinforce that with a campaign to purchase high-quality backlinks to your site and local pages. This double-barrelled approach can make your business stand out on the map and in organic search. In the next few pages, we will dissect how to do it properly and how not to do it so you can optimize for the best rank without getting clobbered by Google.
How does Google Maps Show Local Businesses?
- Relevance to search
- Proximity to the user
- Basic online visibility
- Reviews and ratings
- Website authority (this is where backlinks are sourced from)
Smart Ways to Get Backlinks That Help on Google Maps:
- Local directories: Get listed on trusted platforms like JustDial, Sulekha, or Yelp. These count as solid local backlinks.
- Local news or blogs: A feature in your city’s online magazine or blog is pure gold for local SEO.
- Business partnerships: Partner with local businesses around you and trade links naturally.
- Local sponsorships: Sponsor a local sports team or event your business loves. They'll likely link to your site from theirs.
If you don't have time or don't know where to begin, the majority of agencies offer packages where you can purchase quality backlinks tailored to local influence.
Here's a bonus tip to ensure that some of those mentions drive traffic to your Google Maps listing (your Google Business Profile). This helps Google link those mentions with your brick-and-mortar location. You can get your Google Maps link and use it on blog posts, directories, or social media profiles.
Local SEO isn't only about being near. It's about being visible, reputable, and pertinent, and backlinks are involved in all of them. To get seen on Google Maps, don't overlook link building. And if you do go ahead and purchase quality backlinks, ensure that you're buying from sellers who contribute to your reputation. Local business? Local links. That's it.