For businesses that have ‘bricks and mortar’ locations then you are entitled to a free maps listing in Google which is now called your Google My Business [GMB] listing. Once verified you can add all of your location’s information, images, videos, news, hours of operation in addition to key information like your ‘NAP’ – name / address / phone number.
If Google’s deems that the searcher’s intent is for a local product or service then it will likely serve the ‘map pack’ of 3 GMB listings in the search results. By having a complete and up to date GMB listing you increase the chances that your listing will be shown there.
If you are in a competitive industry [e.g. a hairdresser in the CBD] then having a high count of 5 star Google reviews will really help your chances of ranking high and making the map pack. So far all happy customers make sure you get a 5 star review from them all just like we have done so here https://g.page/searchrescuedigitalmarketing/review/
Note you need a separate phone number for each location because Google is cracking down on false locations and people trying to take advantage of this to get fake listings into the results page.
Tip – Many digital marketing companies charge to set this service up for you. This is a FREE service from Google – don’t be fooled that you need to pay once off or even ongoing management for this service. The interface of Google My Business [previously known as Google Maps] is extremely intuitive and it prompts you on missing fields. And if you do regular posting here and keep photos / videos up to date you needn’t pay for this service that can be done easily yourself.
