When someone types “coffee shop near me” or “best HVAC service in Raleigh” into Google, the first thing they see—above even most websites—is a map with three listings. This is called the Google Maps Local Pack, and it’s prime real estate for area businesses. So how do you show up there?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the key. And for businesses in the Triangle area, investing in local SEO Raleigh, NC strategies can be the difference between being discovered by new customers or getting buried in search results.
How Do You Get You on Google Maps?
Unita Marketing focuses on optimizing your business’s digital presence so your site ranks higher in search results, especially those connected to a physical location. For businesses, it means showing up when people in or near Raleigh search for the products or services you offer. Here’s a breakdown of what directly affects your visibility on Google Maps and why each element matters.
1. Google Business Profile Optimization
Think of your Google Business Profile as your storefront on Google Maps. When optimized correctly, Google is more likely to show your profile in the Maps Local Pack and in the Google Maps app. The more complete and active your profile, the more trustworthy and relevant you look to Google and to customers.
You must include:
- Accurate Name, Address, and Phone
- Business hours and services
- Service area
- Keywords in your business description
- High-quality photos and regular posts
2. Citations & Directory Listings
Citations are mentions of your business on sites like Yelp, Bing Places, Facebook, the Better Business Bureau, and area directories like the Chamber of Commerce.
- Name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistency is key. It’s important to format your business name, address and phone number consistently across all platforms.
- Citations help validate your business’s location and legitimacy, which supports your Google Maps ranking.
3. Customer Reviews
Google weighs your review profile heavily when deciding who to feature on Maps.
- Star ratings, quantity of reviews, and quality of feedback all influence how Google ranks your business.
- Consumers also trust reviews. The more positive reviews you have, the more likely someone is to contact you.
- Ask satisfied customers to leave a review and always respond—good or bad. Google sees this as active engagement, plus potential customers can see that you care about your customers’ experience.
4. Keywords and On-Page Signals
Google doesn’t just rely on your profile. It also looks at your website content to understand what you do and where you are.
- Include city-specific keywords like “local SEO in Raleigh,” and similar phrases naturally throughout your website, especially in title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and footers.
- Embed a Google Map on your contact page with your business location.
- Use schema markup so Google can “read” your site structure clearly.
Why It Matters: Showing Up Where Customers Are Searching
Google Maps results are increasingly becoming the first click when Triangle area users search for services. And with the area’s continued growth, competition is fierce.
By investing in Local SEO in Raleigh, NC, you:
- Increase your visibility in high-converting search results
- Drive more site traffic and leads
- Stand out from competitors
- Build trust and authority with Google and your audience
Ready to Show Up on Google Maps?
At Unita Marketing, we understand the dedication it takes to build a business—and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our expert team specializes in local SEO in Raleigh, NC, helping small businesses grow through smart strategy and hands-on implementation.
Want to rank higher and see more traffic—both online and on foot? Let’s talk about how we can boost your visibility on Google Maps and drive real results for your business. Contact us today to get started.
