If you've landed on this blog post, you're probably on a mission to get your restaurant to the top of the Google Map Pack. And guess what? You're in the right place!

Today, we're diving into five ways to improve your Google Map Pack placement. Let’s get started.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

First things first: If you haven't claimed your Google Business Profile (GBP), get on it. This is the key to your Google Map Pack presence. Here's a quick rundown on how to create and optimize your GBP listing.

How to Create Your Google Business Listing

1. Go to Google Business.
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Enter your business name and address.
4. Verify your business through the options provided (postcard, phone, email).

Optimize Like a Pro

Once your listing is claimed, it's time to make it grow:

• Complete All Information: Ensure your address, phone number, and hours of operation are accurate. Don’t forget your website, social and ordering links either. There are 7x more clicks on business listings with complete information, so take your time on this step!
• Add High-Quality Photos: According to Google Data, businesses with photos get 35% more clicks than businesses without photos. So make sure to showcase your tasty dishes, cozy ambiance, and happy customers. Pictures speak louder than words. 
• Utilize Keywords: Sprinkle relevant keywords (like "best pizza in town" or "cozy café") naturally in your business description. This will be key in helping boost your SEO.
• Leverage Reviews: Respond to all reviews (good and bad) to show you care. 45% of customers are more likely to give your business a chance if they see you are actively responding to reviews.

For a deeper dive into this, check out our SEO Guide to Google Business Profile Optimization.

2. Keep Your NAP Consistent

No, we're not talking about the afternoon kind! NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Consistency is key when it comes to your NAP information across the web.

Why Consistency Matters

Google loves consistency. When your information matches across all platforms (website, social media, listings), it reinforces your business’s credibility and reliability.

This shows Google that they can trust the information that you have on your GBP and they will feel more confident in suggesting you as a choice when someone searches “best restaurant near me.”

How to Maintain Consistency

• Audit Your Listings: Regularly check your business information on all directories and platforms. Marqii’s Scan Your Business tool can help you check this.
• Keep an Eye on Duplicate Listings: Duplicate listings can confuse Google. Do a quick google search of your business name and city to identify and remove duplicate or unclaimed listings.
• Update Menu and Photos Regularly: Google loves restaurants that are updating their content regularly. Update your menu with any seasonal items or pricing changes as soon as you can. Add photos to keep your content fresh.

3. Harness the Power of Local SEO

Local SEO is your secret weapon to climbing the Google Map Pack ranks. Here’s how to make it work for you:

Optimize Your Website

• Local Keywords: Integrate local keywords into your website content. Think “best brunch in [your city]” or “top-rated sushi downtown.”
• Location Pages: If you have multiple locations, create a dedicated page for each one on your site with unique content, just like Groucho's Deli does. This is great for any location specific events and promos.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website is optimized for mobile devices. Many users will find you on their phones, and Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites.

Build Local Listings

Listings are profiles of your business on search sites (think Yelp, TripAdvisor, YellowPages etc.). More listings mean more credibility.

• List in Local Directories: Get listed on popular local directories and industry-specific sites. This could include Yelp, OpenTable, Facebook and more. 
• Check Your Listings: Ensure that your information is consistent across all sites. Most importantly, make sure your website matches the information on your GBP.
• Include Rich Menu Data: This means no PDFs. List your menu items and full descriptions in html format to help with SEO. Bonus points if you include images for each menu item like 5 Napkin Burger does on their GBP.

4. Leverage Customer Reviews

Reviews are the cornerstone of your online presence. They influence Google rankings and can make or break a potential customer’s decision on whether they want to dine with you or not.

Collect Feedback

• Follow Up: Use customer feedback surveys to collect visit data and intercept any mishaps from ending up on review sites. 
• Make It Easy: If a customer has a positive experience, provide a direct link to your GBP review page so that they can share their experience with other customers.

Respond to Reviews

• Thank Positive Reviewers: Show appreciation for their kind words. This encourages customers to keep visiting, especially if they feel their feedback is welcome. 
• Address Negative Reviews: Handle criticism gracefully. Apologize, offer solutions, and show that you value their feedback.

Need help on crafting the perfect review response? Check out our blog, Anatomy of a Review Response for a breakdown on how to handle any review, no matter the star-rating.

5. Utilize Google Posts

Google Posts are a great way to keep your audience engaged directly from your Google Business profile. Have a new LTO you want to promote? Hosting an open mic night? Posting on your GBP can help highlight these special offers, events, and news.

How to Create Effective Google Posts

• Be Concise and Clear: Keep your message short and sweet. Use eye-catching images.
• Include a Call to Action (CTA): Encourage users to visit your website, check out your menu or order online.
• Post Regularly: Stay active and post updates frequently to keep your content fresh and relevant. 

Types of Google Posts

• Events: Promote special events like live music, wine tastings, or holiday specials.
• Offers: Highlight discounts, happy hour deals, or special promotions.
• What’s New: Share new menu items, changes in hours, or any exciting news.

Bonus Tips for Google Map Pack Success

Engage on Social Media

Active social media profiles can drive more traffic to your website and GBP listing. Share posts, engage with your audience, and use local hashtags to increase your visibility. Pro tip: add your social profiles to your Google Business Profile to keep content fresh and consistent.

Monitor Your Progress

Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your performance. Monitor your rankings, traffic, and customer interactions to see what’s working and what needs tweaking. 

How Marqii Can Help Your Google Map Pack Placement

Improving your Google Map Pack placement isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing journey. At Marqii, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

With Marqii, your Google Business Profile is always up to date. Our easy-to-use dashboard lets you update your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number), rich menu data, business hours, and more. This information syncs daily, ensuring that your details are always fresh and accurate.

We also simplify the review process by consolidating all your reviews from sites like Google, Yelp, and more into one place. This allows you to view and respond to reviews easily, ensuring no review gets left behind. Remember, engaging with reviews is crucial for improving your Google Map Pack placement.

Ready to boost your online presence? Reach out to Marqii today and schedule a demo!