The Decline of Google's Map Pack: What It Means for Local Businesses

Heads up—Google’s shaking up local SEO, which impacts how customers—prospective sellers and buyers, for instance—discover your business on Google. If you're a local business, you've likely heard me talk about the importance of the "map pack." However, I'm not suggesting that your Google Business Profile is becoming irrelevant. Quite the opposite, actually. But, I am highlighting that your business's website is becoming increasingly crucial.

Earlier this year, Google began to de-prioritize its map pack, presumably to highlight its local services ads. But there’s more going on than just that. Google is now boosting local links to well optimized websites that meet key customer search criteria. For instance, search for the “Best Realtor in Westport, CT,” and you’ll likely see Judy Michaelis dominating the first page. Why? It’s because she expertly integrates high-intent keywords across her website, particularly on her service and community pages.

Service pages describe the various ways customers can hire you—e.g. buying, selling, investing, commercial transactions, and more. Community pages focus on the areas you serve, such as zip codes or neighborhoods. My advice? Utilize generative AI writing tools like ChatGPT to craft keyword-optimized content for your service and community pages.

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Are you interested in expanding your business's visibility using your Google Business Profile? If so, I have an exciting solution just for you! Explore my course, "GOOGLE BUSINESS BOSS” and discover how to fully optimize your profile to attract more potential clients and opportunities.

First Look: Google Tests New "Short Videos" Tab in Mobile Search, Aggregating Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikToks

It looks like Google is rolling out a new "Short Videos" tab in mobile search, gradually introducing it alongside the familiar Images, News, and Videos tabs. This section pulls content from Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikToks. Now, traditionally, platforms like Instagram have depended on scroll-based discovery, with algorithms dictating what appears in your feed. They've always lagged behind in search functionality—but that's changing. With advancements in the generative AI language processing space, social search capabilities are improving rapidly.

In light of this change, it's becoming increasingly important to strategically optimize your content for maximum visibility. For some time now, I've been encouraging you to embed top keywords into your post captions and video transcripts to enhance discoverability on high-intent searches. With Google's new tab for short videos, the significance of SEO on social platforms has been underscored even more. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to refine your SEO strategies to ensure your content stands out amidst the digital noise and reaches your target audience effectively. It's time to get savvy with keywords and leverage this new opportunity to enhance your online presence.

P.S. Keep in mind, this appears to be a test they’re rolling out gradually. You may not find it on your device yet. I have a Google alert set up for whenever my name shows up on the Internet. I started noticing a few months ago that my Instagram Reels were indexing with Google, as I was getting alerts. That was new. It seems as though this is the continuation of that effort – a dedicated vertical video feed on Google!

Now You Can Finally Add Social Links to Your Google Business Profile!

Finally! You can now manually add your social media links to your Google Business Profile.

Previously, Google would automatically scour the internet to associate your Facebook page or Instagram account with your business profile. Sometimes it would successfully link a profile or two, but often it would miss some or not link any at all.

So before, the best you could do was to include your social media links in your website's footer or engage in complex coding theatrics, like modifying your site's schema code. But now, thankfully, those days are behind us.

The social media platforms you can now link to your Google Business Profile include:

• Instagram

• Facebook

• TikTok

• YouTube

• LinkedIn

• Pinterest

• X (formerly Twitter)

To get started, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your Google Business Profile Manager (business.google.com)

2. Tap the “Edit Profile” icon

3. Select “Content” in the navigation menu

4. Scroll down to the “Social profiles” section and get to work!

Unlock Google's Top Spots: 3 Proven Tricks to Elevate Your Ranking

Wanna be the go-to business on Google? It all starts with understanding keywords—those are the specific terms and phrases people use to search for services like yours on Google.

Now, why is Google so important? Because it's the first place folks turn to when they're looking for something.

To find your magic keywords, think like your customer. If you're a Realtor in Houston, searches like "best realtor in Houston" or "top realtors in Houston" might be common. These keywords often trigger Google's “Map Pack,” a special area showcasing local businesses on a map. Your goal? Get on that map!

Three types of keywords to consider:

• NOUNS: The name of your business, where you conduct business, and the type of business you run.

• VERBS: Actions you perform for clients, such as buying, selling, or listing.

• MODIFIERS: Descriptive terms like “best,” “top,” or “luxury” that qualify your nouns and verbs.

Here's your action plan:

1. Update Your Google Business Profile: Include keywords in the “Services” section, like listing "Best Realtor” and/or “Houston Real Estate Agent” as services you offer.

2. Keyword-Infuse Your Website: Include them in titles, blogs, and bios.

3. Encourage Keyword-Rich Reviews: Happy clients? Ask them to use these keywords in their reviews.

Ready to climb higher in Google's search rankings? Follow these steps, and you're on the path to digital visibility like never before.

Boost Your Local SEO and Google Business Profile with This Simple Hack

What's the Hack?

Local SEO is crucial for small businesses (e.g. real estate agents, teams, and firms) aiming to attract customers in their immediate vicinity.

One simple but often overlooked strategy is adding your business location to your website's title tag. For example, if you're a REALTOR® based in Nashville, your full title tag might read something like “<title>Jane Doe Realty - Nashville, TN</title>.”

How to Do It

The good news is that implementing this tip is easier than you might think. You don't have to be a coding expert to make this change. Simply navigate to your website's settings and look for the SEO section. From there, you can update the title tag to include your business location.

And by “title tag,” I simply mean the title you see at the top of your web browser when you visit a website. Don't let the term “tag” confuse you—it's really just your website's title!

Why It's Important

By incorporating your location into the title tag, you're giving Google more context about your business. Google's algorithms use this information to rank your Google Business Profile in local searches.

So, when someone Googles "Best Realtor in Nashville," your business is more likely to appear in the coveted "map pack" at the top of the search results. For those unfamiliar, the map pack is that small boxed area featuring a map and local business listings, a prime spot for local visibility.

The Bottom Line

This small change to your website's title tag can have a significant impact on your local SEO strategy and, by extension, your Google Business Profile.

Unlocking the Power of Hyperlocal Content: Beat Social Media Algorithms

You're probably wondering why your social media posts aren't getting the traction they used to. Well, it's not you; it's the algorithm.

Want the good news? You can make that algorithm work for you, not against you. Here's how to do it with hyperlocal content.

Why Hyperlocal Content is Your New Best Friend

You've heard it before: "Content is king." But in the age of AI-suggested content, not just any content will do.

You need content so specific, so local, it practically screams your town’s name. Why? Because algorithms like Instagram's are shifting to prioritize interest-based content.

That means the more you tailor your posts to your local audience, the more likely they are to actually see them.

How to Train the Algorithm to Love Your Content

• Be Ultra-Specific: Don't just post about coffee; post about that hidden gem of a coffee spot on Main Street that only locals know about.

• Use Hyperlocal Hashtags: Forget #CoffeeLover; try #MainStreetCoffeeLove. You'll attract locals who are genuinely interested in what you're posting.

• Tag Your Location: Always, always tag your location. It's like sending a flare up to the algorithm, saying, "Hey, this post matters to people here!"

Boost Your Posts, But Make It Local

Once you've got this killer content, don't let it go to waste. Consider promoting or boosting your posts within a 15-mile radius of your marketplace. You'll maximize visibility among potential customers right in your backyard.

The Bottom Line

You don't need a massive following; you need the RIGHT following. Stop chasing vanity metrics and start focusing on what really matters: reaching and engaging with potential clients who are local to your area.

When you go hyperlocal, you're not just throwing content into the void and hoping someone sees it. You're strategically placing it where it matters most. So go ahead, make your content so hyperlocal, you force the algorithm's hand. Let it be your local matchmaker!

The Secret Sauce to Dominate Google’s Local Pack: Know Your Maps

Hey there, savvy business owners! Ready to level-up your Google Business Profile and beat the competition? (Yeah you are!) Let's talk about Google's “local pack” (aka, “map pack”) and how to make it your playground.

What is the Google Local Pack?

When customers search Google for local services—think “best real estate agent near me”—a special section pops up. It's called the local pack, featuring three businesses optimized for that search.

Horizontal vs. Square Map-Pack

Look closer. You’ll see a map guiding customers to these businesses. The map comes in two styles:

• Horizontal Map: Appears as a strip above the listings.

• Square Map: Sits to the right of the listings.

Why Does the Map Type Matter?

The type of map speaks volumes.

• Horizontal Map: Usually appears lower on Google’s results page. It shows up when Google isn't quite sure it’s found what the searcher wants.

• Square Map: Indicates high confidence from Google. It’s a cue that you’re exactly what the customer is searching for.

Optimize for Square

Want to dominate? Here's your game plan: zero in on the search phrases that trigger the square map-pack. Start by running a few local searches related to your business. Jot down the phrases that bring up the square map—those are your golden keywords.

Now you've got your roadmap, literally. Optimize around these phrases, and you're set to soar. 🚀

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Are you interested in expanding your business's visibility using your Google Business Profile? If so, I have an exciting solution just for you! Explore my course, "GOOGLE BUSINESS BOSS” and discover how to fully optimize your profile to attract more potential clients and opportunities.

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Key Takeaways

• The local pack is your ticket to visibility.

• Map type hints at Google’s confidence level.

• Optimize for phrases that trigger the square map to come out on top.

Now, go conquer that local pack! You’ve got the secret sauce. 🌟

Instagram Influence Map: Geo-Optimize Your Content to Attract Local Customers

Problem: most of your Instagram followers live in random, faraway places, which undermines the effectiveness of your social media marketing in attracting and procuring LOCAL customers📍

To find out exactly where the people you're influencing are geographically located, follow these steps:

• Open your Instagram app and navigate to your Professional Dashboard, the gray-shaded box underneath the bio section of your profile. Please note that the Professional Dashboard is available only for Professional profiles, not Personal profiles.

• Next, tap on "See All" to access your account's insights, where you'll find vital information about your audience.

• Look for the sections labeled "Accounts reached" and "Total followers.” Specifically, take a close look at the "Top cities" data, which will reveal the top locations of your followers as well as the accounts you reached.

Those top cities aren’t just random locations; they represent where the people you're influencing reside.

If you're running a local business, that’s crucial intel because social media is becoming less social and less local. That said, you can turn the tide by implementing the following techniques:

1. Specify your physical whereabouts via the Location tag when you post: e.g. your city or locations in/around it. This’ll help to train the algorithm to recognize that your content is relevant to a specific geographic area.

2. Research and use local hashtags in your posts. By incorporating popular hashtags related to your city or region, you can increase your visibility among local Instagram users.

3. Post hyperlocal content that appeals specifically to locals. Share information, events, or stories that only people from your area would find interesting and relatable; effectively force the algorithm to distribute your content to the right audience!

4. Consider boosting your content to target your town or city. By utilizing Instagram's advertising tools, you can reach a wider local audience and increase your brand's visibility.

If you're leveraging social media for your business, it's essential to ensure that your efforts are finely tuned to attract the right audience in the right locations.

Build an SEO Fortress Around Your Local Business: rank higher when customers search for what your business does in the areas it does it

In real estate, the mantra is all about location: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! But when it comes to SEO, keywords reign supreme. So… make sure to optimize your website with the right SEO juice.

With that in mind, publish web pages chalked full of keywords that highlight your ability to assist individuals in, at minimum, buying and selling real estate, for instance. Beyond that though, create web pages that talk about relocation, moving, downsizing, new construction sales, custom builds, commercial real estate, residential development, and so on. Why not publish a page for every service you offer!?—especially now, with tools like Chat GPT to do the heavy lifting writing-wise.

What’s more, create community pages on your website that showcase the areas where you operate. Depending on where you do business, maybe consider zip-code specific pages, or neighborhoods, towns, counties, or perhaps designated market area terms, like “tri state” or other comparable titles. The point is, if it’s an area where you work, make it count by creating an optimized page on your website.

Here’s why all this carries weight. The better optimized your website is, the higher Google’s gonna rank your Google Business Profile when customers search for a business that does what yours does in the areas it does it.

Ranking Higher in Google’s Local Search Results: How Local Justifications Can Help Your Google Business

Local justifications are clues that explain why Google displays one Google Business Profile over another in local search results. These clues appear as short text snippets located below the top-ranking Google Business Profiles in the map pack. Sidebar:  a map pack is a collection of the top three ranking Google Business Profiles that are displayed together on the first page of local search results, often accompanied by a square- or rectangular-shaped bit of map.

Local justifications include verbatim (or related) keyword matches from the search query, and are often taken from reviews, the business profile's website (i.e., your domain), or the "Services" section of the business profile. Reviews are the most common source for local justifications. Bearing that in mind, businesses should focus on getting customers to use target words and phrases when they post reviews.

Apple Business Connect vs. Google and Facebook: The Battle for Local Business Profiles

Apple recently introduced its new Maps product, dubbed, Apple Business Connect—which is poised to shake up the local-business profile game (currently dominated by Google and Facebook) and give small business owners a new way to connect with potential customers.

Local business owners can update/manage their profile info via the Apple Business Connect web portal:  businessconnect.apple.com. This includes important details such as hours-of-operation, location(s) and physical address(es), uploading photos and logos, special offers, and more.

Apple has no immediate plans to remove its integration with Yelp—so customers will still be able to see Yelp photos and reviews in the business place cards. That said, business owners will be able to enhance their listings with their own details, resulting in more up-to-date and richer listings. And, as a result of that, I’m guessing higher ranking in the results.

3 Categories of SEO-Strong Keywords for REALTORS

From an SEO standpoint, there are effectively THREE types of keywords in #realestate.

1. Name:  If you’re an agent the name of your business, for instance, is most likely just your first and last name. If you’re running a team or if you operate an office, obviously, it’d be that. The point is, if someone Googles your business name—assuming your SEO is strong—then your content and web pages oughta rank.

2. Occupation:  The second type of keyword has to do with the sort of business you conduct. So, for example:  “Realtor,” “real estate agent,” “listing agent,” etc. It describes “what” you do—your role and the function of your job.

3. Location:  Finally, there are location-based keywords that specify “where” you do business:  counties, cities, neighborhoods, and so forth.

It’s mission-critical to make good use of these keywords when representing your business online:  on your website, Google Business Profile, and social media pages, for instance. 

If you wanna get discovered by customers more frequently on Google, you’ve gotta CRUSH your keywords!

Instagram Expands Business Search Capabilities in IG Maps for Local Discovery

Instagram’s leveling-up its “business search” capabilities. It’s definitely nowhere close to Google, but is nonetheless worth watching.

Within IG’s Explore 🔎 tab there’s a search-bar across the top that organizes its findings according to preset sections:  Top, Accounts, Audio, Tags (i.e., hashtags), and Places.

Places, for instance, lists out a bunch of pinned📍 locations — select an option and it’ll plot it on a map (plus display a bunch of info about the business/location).

From there, if one taps anywhere else on the map, IG displays the user’s city location and reveals a handful of predefined search categories, which currently includes:  Restaurants, Cafes, Sights, Hotels, Parks & Gardens, and Bars. The idea is to search for what’s around you or proximate to a point of interest. You can also zoom in/out to redo your search within the visible area of map.

I predict Instagram will eventually add additional/custom categories down the road (as in, “Real Estate Agents,” possibly).

Many agents, whether they’re using a Creator or Business profile, have modified their account category from “Real Estate Agent” to, say, “Entrepreneur,” to expand their sound-and-music options in IG’s audio library for Reels and such. However, if Instagram does indeed add more categories to its map-search feature, agents may opt to switch their category back to “Real Estate Agent” to improve their odds of ranking. Not now, necessarily—just if/when that expansion occurs.

For search engines and social networks alike, local discovery is no doubt a trend of growing importance — so keep an eye 👁 on it, friends.

Top SEO Keywords for REALTORS to Rank on Google

Get this… nearly ½ of Google Searches are conducted w/ local📍intent. What’s more, 93% of ALL those “local searches” are, in fact, looking for a local business -- like yours! Question is, does your business rank?—on Google, in Maps, on YouTube, and beyond. 

My advice:  build-up your SEO by focusing on the right types of 𝗸𝗲𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀. Details in the video ⤴️ 

Google Business Profile Optimizations for Realtors: How to Rank in Local-Intent Google Searches!

Nearly HALF of all Google searches are looking for something LOCAL:  your business, possibly

If you want to increase the discoverability of your #GoogleBusinessProfile (GBP)—which, naturally, YOU DO!—swipe through the images above and follow the recommendations.

Here’s a quick rundown of the points:

1. Select the most “trending” business categories to help rank your GBP in the top-three section of Google’s Local Pack.

2. Tweak your profile name to rank on “Best realtor near me” types of search queries.

3. Collect keyword-optimized reviews from customers to boost your SEO.

4. Upload photos, videos (max file-size of 75M and up-to 30 seconds long), and posts on-the-regular. Profiles w/ 100+ photos, for instance, garner 520% more inbound calls from prospective customers.

My advice:  PLAY THE GOOGLE GAME!

5 Ways to Market/Advertise Your Local Business on Google

Google get’s more than 3.5B searches every day — and nearly ½ are looking for something local. You think Google cares much about its ability to serve-up relevant local results?—because I sure do! My advice:  if Google offers it—whether its a platform or a product, organic or paid—do it.

1. Wanna learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile (A.K.A. “Google My Business” listing) for local-intent searches? Here are ALL my blogs and videos on the topic (in one place):  bit.ly/JP-GBP

2. If you’re not running YouTube Commercials (A.K.A. “Skippable In-Stream Ads”) you’re MASSIVELY missing out! Here’s a link to ALL my trainings on how, what, where, when, and why to run YouTube ads: bit.ly/JP-YTads

3. Google Local Services Ads are a total no-brainer 🧠 They’re sometimes called “Google Screened” or “Google Guaranteed” and rank at the tippy-top of Google’s search-results page. These are a definite must! Here’s a link to get more details/info:  bit.ly/JP-GLSA

4. Have you setup/run Google Local Search Ads? If not, do it! I’m in the process of developing some how-to videos, so standby for links. To make things simple (for the time being), go to Business.Google.com and tap the  “Create an Ad” button. Just follow the prompts.

5. Wanna run Google Display Network Ads (i.e., the image-, text-, and/or video-based “banner ads” that crop up all over the Internet:  website side-columns, pop-up banners and bars, or located along the footers of mobile apps, for instance) so customers see you literally EVERYWHERE across the web? Here’s a step-by-step video training for you:  bit.ly/JP-GDN

If you’re not taking full advantage of Google’s products and platforms, start now!

Local SEO Ranking with Google My Business for Real Estate Agents (2021)

For any type of local business—shops, services, and so forth—ranking on local-intent Google searches is extremely advantageous:  website clicks, inbound customer calls, messages, and more!

For example, a prospective home seller may enter a search phrase like, “real estate agent nearby.” If you’re a real estate agent who happens to be close-at-hand, that’s the type of search to wanna rank on!

But it’s easier said than done. SEO has never been as simple as ABC.

Whenever Google’s algorithm infers the aim of a search is seeking something or someone local it lists geographically-tuned results (more on this later). Unfortunately, given the algorithm’s inherent complexities—plus extensive competition at the local level—it can be confusing to know exactly where to focus your optimization efforts to maximize the results.

But consider this:  per a recent WhiteSpark study, the importance of Google My Business (GMB) has increased greatly over the past several algorithmic updates in terms of its weight in the search results. The point in bringing his up is to suggest that rather than trying to do all-things SEO to rank, it’s strategically viable to simply focus on improving your GMB. (You can breathe a sigh of relief now 😅)

Today’s video-training/blog explores 5 ways to improve the ranking of your GMB—thus, leading to more website traffic, more calls, and, ultimately, more customers!

Components of Google’s (Local) Search Results

If you perform a local-intent search (i.e., not global or generic search), as mentioned, Google generates local results and it divides them into various sections:  paid ads, local-pack, and organic results. Images to illustrate each element are attached below.

Local Search’s MVP:  Google My Business (GMB)

GMB listings appear inside Google Maps and/or Google Search.

Like I said before, all local-intent searches will trigger a list of geographically tailored results. However, GMB profiles in particular display only when Google infers the searcher is specifically seeking a certain local business—not just generalized local info.

For instance, a search like, “Top kids activities in Nashville on a rainy Saturday,” will populate local results but (probably) not GMB. Point is, GMB is one component of many when it comes to Google’s local search results.

The stronger your GMB profile’s location authority, the more likely it is to display in the search results.

A would-be customer might directly search the name of your business or, and this is the point of today’s video-training/blog, they may search for a business LIKE yours. The question is, will your GMB rank or will it rank your competitor?

Ranking in Google’s “Knowledge Graph”

Once again, GMB profiles may appear in Maps or Search, desktop or mobile. They all function the same algorithmically-speaking (as far as ranking-factors go) but each looks just a tad different from visual standpoint.

In Google Search, for instance, your GMB profile may appear in what’s known as the “Knowledge Graph,” which, when viewed on a desktop browser, displays a section on the righthand portion of the screen that compiles information gathered from multiple sources into one concentrated space. On a mobile device, it’ll appear at the top of the page. Reference the image below.

The Knowledge Graph shows the most info:  photos, phone number, a button to visit your website, hours of operation, customer reviews, and more.

Typically a potential customer would have to search the name of your business to trigger the Knowledge Graph. Question is, how strong is the location authority of just “your name?” For example:

• Did the searcher type just your name, “Jane Doe,” and that alone had enough location-authority packed in to populate your GMB profile in the Knowledge Graph?

• Did the search have to add a geographic modifier, like, “Jane Doe, Nashville,” and that’s what sent it over the edge?

• Did they add a job-category modifier, like, “Jane Doe, Realtor” or “Jane Doe, real estate agent,” and that’s what did the trick?

Ultimately, it’s a (not-so-simple) matter of location authority.

Ranking in Google’s “Local Pack”

The other way your profile might rank in Google Search is in what’s known as the “Local Pack,” a section on the results page that shows a handful of local businesses related to the search query.

You’ll see a rectangular bit of map first with scattered location pins indicating the addresses of the sample businesses, and, below that, a ranked list GMB profiles (usually only a few). At the bottom of that list, there’s a “View All” button, which’ll take you into Google Maps where it’ll show you additional search results.

These results generally appear, not when a user searches your business name, but when they search out your business category—as in, “real estate agents nearby” (or something to that effect). And so today, we’re especially talking about how to improve your GMB ranking in the Local Pack.

Leveraging GMB Insights

Google My Business compiles detailed and instructive analytics reporting based on how customers discover your business:  Google Search, Google Maps, desktop, mobile, etc. It also tracks the actions customers take, such as phone calls, direction requests, website clicks, and/or messages.

Simply navigate to Business.Google.com to access the backend of your profile and tap the “Insights” button in the main menu. Search traffic is divided into three categories:

• Direct Searches: a customer searched for your business by its name or physical address. In this case, your profile probably populated in Knowledge Graph.

• Discovery Searches: a customer searched for a category, product, or service that triggered your GMB to show in search results. Odds are, your listing was ranked in the Local Pack.

• Branded Searches: a customer searched for a business similar to yours. So, presumably, a customer perused the GMB profile of a competitor via the Knowledge Graph. Then, at the bottom of the Knowledge Graph, they most likely saw your listing in a section called, “People also search for.”
  
  So think about it… the more your business ranks in Discovery Searches, the more likely it’ll also appear in the “People also searched for” section of your competitors’ profiles! Hence why this post is focused on rating in the Local Pack!

There’s also a button at the top of the Insights screen labeled, “See new profile performance.” (For the time being, only the primary-owner of the GMB account can access it.) Once opened, you’re able to review the exact search queries that triggered your profile to rank. It’ll even tell you how many times each query was searched! That’s downright useful data!—I’ll show you exactly why in an upcoming section below.

Top Local-Pack Ranking Signals

Late last year WhiteSpark organized an extensive report outlining the top factors Google analyzes when ranking Local Pack search results. Today’s video is examines five out of 15. That said, I’ve included the full list below.

• The Primary GMB Category: It’s pretty straightforward—if you’re a “real estate agency,” say so! Visit business.google.com, tap “Info” in the main menu and define your primary business category.

• Keywords Located in the GMB Business Title/Name: This one’s rife with controversy. Technically, GMB guidelines prohibit the practice of “keyword stuffing,” which means including unnecessary words in your business title to try to rank on key searches: e.g. “Top Nashville Realtor,” “Nashville Brokerage,” “Nashville Real Estate Agent,” etc. In fact, by doing so, it can result in the suspension of your profile—of which, there are two types:

  • Soft suspension: basically, your GMB’s “verified” status is removed and you can no longer edit/manage your GMB. It still lists and ranks in searches though.

  • Hard suspension: your GMB is altogether removed—meaning, it’s over! 😱 Your profile will no longer index in Google Search or Maps. (Here’s a useful blog on the most common reasons for suspension and how to deal with one.)
    
    Search Engine Land conducted a sample analysis in which the found that Google took action against roughly 40% of GMB accounts engaged in adding “unnecessary” and/or “unreasonable” terms and descriptors that didn’t match-up with their real-world business names.
    
    The big problem is, the use of keywords in a GMB’s business title no-doubt improves its SEO! So there’s sort of a double standard at play: GMB doesn’t want you to do it but the search algorithm is programmed to look for it. With that being said, I’m certainly not suggesting you should do it, because, if you do, you knowingly expose yourself to the risk of suspension.

• Physical Nearness of Business Address to the Point of Search: In the Local Pack (as well as in Google Maps), assuming your browser is tracking your device’s physical location, it’ll actually show your geographic distance to the address of the subject GMB.
  
  

• Location of Physical Address in the City of Search: This is sort of a pass-fail factor. Is your GMB’s physical address within the city named in the actual search query. For example, “Real estate agent Brentwood, TN.” If your GMB address is in Brentwood, it’ll improve your ranking.
  
  

• Utilizing Additional GMB Categories: You’re able to add additional business categories — and you should! Google periodically adds additional categories from which you can select, so check from time-to-time. Just make sure you don’t choose categories that are unrelated to your work.
  
  

• Quantity (and Authority) of Links to Your Website: Basically, if other popular and credible websites link to your website (i.e., the URL listed as your business’s website in the Info section of your GMB), it’ll make your GMB look better in the search results.
  
  

• Keywords in Google Reviews: This is huge! When customers review you, (discretely) request that they incorporate strategic keywords (e.g. your full name, your team or brokerage name, geographic modifiers, such as the neighborhoods or cities where you conduct business, and/or general phrases about buying or selling real estate).
  
  Refer back to the part where I talked about “See new profile performance” section in the Insights of your GMB. Use it to determine the keywords on which you’re already ranking AND/OR the phrases on which you’d like to rank on more frequently.
  
  

• High Google Star Ratings (i.e., 4 - 5): Basically, try not to get lousy reviews, LOL 😂 — aim for four stars and up!
  
  

• Removing SPAM Listings via SPAM Fighting Techniques: If you spot fake or illegitimate GMB profiles outranking you in the search results, flag ‘em! Recommend a name-change, mark it as closed, or fill out a Business Redressal Complaint Form.
  
  

• GMB Profile “Completeness”: Yeah, this one’s obvious... as in, OBVIOUSLY EASY! No excuses, fill out every section of your GMB—down to the tiniest details: opening date, appointment links, and so forth.
  
  

• Verified (VS. Unverified/Unclaimed) GMB Listing: If you’re not already verified, do so here: Verify your business on Google.
  
  

• Number of Google Reviews (that Include Text, Not Just a Star-Rating): Essentially, that means get more GMB reviews.
  
  

• Keywords in the GMB Landing Page Title: Add keywords that align with your GMB’s keywords in the title page of your URL domain (e.g. “Nashville real estate agent”)
  
  

• Quality and Authority of Links to GMB Landing Page Link
  
  

• Product- and/or Service-Related Keyword Relevance Across Domain: Does the content across your website match-up with the scope of services offered according to your GMB? If yes, great. If not, fix that!

Keep in mind, ranking in Google’s local search results doesn’t necessarily mean your GMB is fully optimized to to perform in terms of customer conversion. Candidly, it’s just the first step. What ultimately matters is whether or not the customer likes what they find, which boils down your reviews, photos, products, posts, your website, social media links, and more. Click HERE to learn more on how to upgrade the performance of your Google My Business profile.

The Difference Between Creating Content for Social Media and SEO

Did you know that there are two types of content that you can create?

There’s an ongoing debate about whether it’s better to create short-form content or long-form content...

Short-form content for social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram doesn’t get shown past a few hours or couple of days after your followers scroll through them. Sometimes this gets you feeling like you’re on a hamster wheel creating content non-stop!

Long-form content (such as blog posts) for search engines like Google or YouTube, which take advantage of the power of SEO tend to get more reach long-term (sometimes even years!) because there are always people searching for this type of content.

HOWEVER, this is a much more competitive space for content creators especially when it comes to ranking on top of the first page of Google.

Which one would you pick to create?

BOOST Your Google My Business SEO Ranking By GeoTagging Photos!

Want to rank higher than your local competitors on location-based searches? Today I'm going to show you a simple way to improve your Google My Business ranking by geotagging photos.

1. Upload your photos to GeoImgr.com
2. Retrive your address coordinates from Google Maps
3. Add relevant keywords
4. Upload your photo to your Google My Business Page

5 Tips to Optimize Your Instagram Profile

Five tips to upgrade your Instagram (Business or Creator) Profile — actually, it’s six tips, LOL🤣:

- Add your job role (i.e., REALTOR®) ➕ the location where you conduct business to your Display Name (subject to character limits). It’ll make your profile more searchable in the Explore feed.

- Ditch the paragraph-styled bio for an emoji-bulleted list ✅—it needs to be formatted for a quick scan.

- Profile pics are tiny to view on a mobile device 📱 so show us your face 😃🤗😇🙃. Make it a closeup.

- Add contact call-to-action buttons to your Business or Creator profile: call 📞 email 📧 message 💬

- LINK-IN-BIO: use a tool like LinkTr.ee or Liinks.co to route clicks to pages and links of importance.

- Preserve your best Stories by adding them to your Highlights (and make branded covers accordingly).