Google maps business listings

Perhaps some of you can share some tips on this. I have submitted my site and am listed in the business listings on google maps. What factors affect my ranking on google maps? Is it the same kind of thing as regular google webpages or are there other tricks to rise in the local listings?

Jason

Make sure you have a good title, description and keywords. I checked Google under 'harrisburg pa photography' and I found you on page 5, but didn't find you on Google Map after 5 pages.

I see you have no 'Description' or 'Keyword' meta tags. Your 'Title' tag is too long (IMO) and I would put the relative words first, like "Harrisburg, PA / Baltimore, MD - Portrait and Event Photography".

For Google Map, do you have a picture? I used my logo/business card. How about some reviews? I asked a friend of mine (customer too) to write a review for me.

I would also add a link on your website to your Google Map listing, several locations (Home page, Contact page etc).

Good luck and btw, it will take a few weeks for Google to index your changes.

If I remove my name from the title, won't that remove my name from the title of the search listing on regular google web search? Also, what should the text of the link to google maps read? Should it say google maps or should it be a keyword?

JasonBr wrote in post #8094502
If I remove my name from the title, won't that remove my name from the title of the search listing on regular google web search? Also, what should the text of the link to google maps read? Should it say google maps or should it be a keyword?

Look at it from the customer point of view...are you going to search Google to find a Harrisburg Portrait Photographer or will a customer Google your name specifically? Probably "Harrisburg Portrait Photography" not "Jason Brady Photographer". If you really want your name, then add it last. Like "Harrisburg, PA / Baltimore, MD - Portrait and Event Photography - Jason Brady Photography".

Honestly, I don't list my Google Map on my website, only because I'm a nature photographer, so people aren't going to come to my house. Since you have your street address on your Contact page, just make your address a link. Here's an example of my Church's website (I designed it ). You can see I used our street address on our home page to link to Google Map.

Hope this makes sense, if not let me know...