Local SEO/ Google Maps

Hi guys,

I am looking for some direction regarding local SEO or Google maps SEO. Just fyi, I have had my own websites for years so normal SEO is something I am quite adequate in.
However this local stuff has me a bit stumped.

Recently opened my own business and having the background I have, I made sure to get as many customers to write reviews ( basically just giving them a discount or what not).
But I noticed that if someone types in the keyword of our business, unless they actually zoom in closer to our location, google maps won't show the business.

Now normally I would be fine with this because well, we are a new business and maybe it just needs time. But there is competition way out of the map ( further then I am from the center of the map) that is showing but has less reviews? And from what I can see, isn't even currently open.

Am I missing something here? Any tips and tricks for me to improve our presence online? I am kind of stumped and I can't imagine stuff like BL's is going to be a factor. As most of my competitors have none, and in the business I am in this is not a normal thing to do.

you need to do local seo, submit your business to local listing in your country.
make sure you have NAP across all pages and when submit to business directory/local listing pls do rmb to include the same NAP, otherwise it wont work.

Also local seo is same as normal seo, you need to do some backlinks to it and with onpage SEO.

As for your competitor, if is not open or is temporary closed, you may report an mark them as temporary or permanently closed

Local SEO / local listings / directory listings / review sites / coupon sites etc etc with Google Reviews will help.

What Parker2010 said plus CTR. Here is a copy of my answer to another similar post.

1. Optimize the GMB
2. Post regularly
3. Add pictures
4. Add necessary Main Directories and also for your Niche
5. Run CTR every month from 4G mobile proxies only. (do not use desktop bot software or services that use residential proxies)
6. Provide monthly reports from Insights to your client on growth - Calls, Directions, Website Clicks, keywords, and past year/month comparisons.

1-4 can be set up in the first month. The CTR will give you more searches and maps each month as Google sees activity and rewards you for it!. You will also keep your clients forever as long as you do it every month.

Build links and blog articles targeting your keywords + city and link only to your google maps listing url

- Keyword in title
- Proper category
- Don't spam service areas (less is more some times)
- Driving directions have helped many rank
- Post every day but make it relevant to the category on your website
- CTR
- Reviews with keywords in them

Those are just some tips.