▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

[Linda Buquet]

<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/mapCitations.jpg" alt="mapCitations" width="45%" />

Maps Listings + Map Citations + Backlinks (Some are do follow) ​

OK so to kick off 2015 I wanted think outside the box a little and try to come up with something a little more unique than the typical things the average consultant or SMB will do.

I often say, "Find out what Google likes and give it to her!" Well Google local is based on maps, so I assume Google likes maps. Google also likes it when you use her tools!

This lead me on a little treasure hunt to find sites that use the Google Maps or Places API and feature business listings.

Now I am NOT saying building a bunch of maps for your business will boost your ranking. But it seems to me it would add location trust signals in creative ways that your competition is likely not doing. AND it's a unique way to get more citations & backlinks - ones your competition probably does not have.

I didn't dig super deep, as I want this to be a collaborative project (if it has merit) but below are a few options I think might be worth exploring further.

<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dividermulti.jpg" alt="dividermulti" width="550" height="4" />

FREE SUBMISSION -GPS listings, tons of sites.
<a href="http://www.gps-data-team.com/listingstep1.php">Business POI Listing - POI Directory</a>​

ONE SUBMISSION provides your business location listing to Apple GPS, Android GPS, Google Earth, tablets, Garmin, TomTom, Navman, CoPilot and other GPS devices.

+ Uses Google Maps
+ Full NAP
+ Description
+ Web site with do follow link
+ Lat/Long
+ QR Code

Easy 3 step submission process, includes full NAP, description and site link. The link is a do follow link on the GPS directory above. PLUS since it's a single submission that goes out to all of them at once, seems it would be worth the effort.

Example listing: Woodlands Ad Agency - GPS Map

I detailed out the one above because it's a submission service to multiple directory sites.

Below I'll just list quick details of others you can explore.

<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dividermulti.jpg" alt="dividermulti" width="550" height="4" />​

Map Channels - Example Listing
Full citation. Google Map. Do follow link.

Map Builder - Example Listing:
Full citation. Google Map. Do follow link.

Map Fab - Example listing
Full citation. Google Map. No follow link.

Trip Line - Example Listing
Express Rooter on Tripline
Full citation. Google Map. No follow link.

Example: glotter.com "plumbing" search
Drainworks has map there and ranks #1 for Toronto Plumber (Not saying that's why they rank high.)

For more ideas Google search this: "ExpressRooter Plumbing" "Toronto" "Map"

<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dividermulti.jpg" alt="dividermulti" width="550" height="4" />​

Note: I have not tried any of these. Just followed the trail on a couple high ranking sites. I'm not saying any of this will help ranking. BUT if you have extra time and are looking to try new things that may set your clients apart from the competition, it might be worth experimenting with these. PLUS more citations never hurt and unique citations the competition does not have seems like it could help. PLUS we know links are hard to get and yet are even more important with Pigeon, so here's an easy way to get some new links too.

I could have kept digging up more, but like I said, I just wanted enough to share and if it's worth pursuing we can all dig in and find more to add to the list. As you know, I don't specialize in citation building, so I'm hoping to get Darren, Nyag, Phil and other pros to weigh in with ideas and see if the rest of you guys would add to this list.

I also realize that many of the data aggregators and distributors like UBL and Localeze, probably submit to most of the GPS directories, but I don't think they submit to all these mapping sites.

What do you think? Worth trying?

Have you tried any Map citations or GPS listings?

Do you know of any other good ones?

Please also share your results if you submit to any of these.
<meta property="og:type" content="article"><meta property="og:title" content=""><meta property="og:description" content="Find out what Google likes and give it to her! She likes maps. She likes when you use her tools!">
<meta property="og:image" content="">

 

[Scott Rawlins]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

I actually have a friend of mine that opened a new business last month. I have been helping him, so I may use him as a test subject for something like this. Thanks for sharing Linda.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

Oh good. Keep us posted Scott!

It's not that map citations are new. I just don't see them talked about, and some like I mentioned that allow full citations + lag/long + description + backlinks + google maps... Well just seems like it would be worth some effort.

 

[JoyHawkins]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

Very interesting idea Linda. Would be great to test. I'll throw it over to some people I work with to see if we can test it out.

 

[Tim Colling]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

I tried it just now. It looks like it's only free if you place one of their pre-ordained promo links on your site, back to theirs.

 

[Michael S. Doran]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

I am going to do some testing on this as well. Thanks Linda!

 

[Linda Buquet]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

I'm sick and spacey so totally forgot to mention...

I did the submission to the top one over the Holiday when I was researching this.
Quick, easy, painless, but as Tim said you do need to add their link.

My site isn't really optimized for local though, so I can't use it to test ranking or anything. But also I don't think it happens very often where you can do just one thing and it will move the needle. I think things like this are cumulative and if you keep finding new and unique ways to build local and industry trust, it can help long term.

 

[Tim Colling]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

I'm sick and spacey so totally forgot to mention...I don't think it happens very often where you can do just one thing and it will move the needle. I think things like this are cumulative and if you keep finding new and unique ways to build local and industry trust, it can help long term.

Sorry to hear that you're sick, Linda.

And I accept what you said. It's unlikely that any one thing, in isolation, will "move the needle". Some things *will* have more effect than others, but mostly when done along with other things.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

Thanks Tim,

For anyone not following, there are some interesting comments at our Pro Community.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/101037504613481726969/posts/AfZCoonioLf

Yes I got a little self righteous over this comment: "Google maps has nothing to do with your rankings..." You know me... haha

 

[mborgelt]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

Thanks for sharing this, Linda! I am going to try this with our clients that are in more competitive spaces. While you shouldn't rely on one tactic for local strategy, I think that anything that sends this many "strong" local signals is worth putting into practice.

Not sure if it qualifies as a "Map" citation but we've been using Pinterest's new(er) map feature for client's photo's and even that has shown some contributions to local efforts. I'll share my results here shortly.

 

[whitespark]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

I like this strategy Linda. Not going to make or break a local seo campaign, but it's easy enough to just get it done.

I wouldn't do the free version with backlink attribution. I'd rather just pay the $1/month for the service. Cheap enough.

They seem to be missing some major players.

Navteq is #1, and you can edit/add listings here:
https://mapreporter.navteq.com/?userType=CONSUMER&language=en#dashboard

Tele Atlas is #2, and you can add/edit listings here (after you log in with Facebook/Google):
http://www.mapsharetool.com/external-iframe/external.jsp
(just zoom the map to your business' location, and edit/add the listing.

And of course, Map Maker should be considered in the same group as these, but I'm sure everyone is already on top of that one.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

Thanks Darren, was hoping you'd weigh in!

I like this strategy Linda. Not going to make or break a local seo campaign, but it's easy enough to just get it done.

I wouldn't do the free version with backlink attribution. I'd rather just pay the $1/month for the service. Cheap enough.

Ya I agree with the make or break comment. Just something a little extra.

I didn't realize they had a monthly paid option. Good to know.

Sharon at the Pro G+ Group was just having problems editing updating NavteQ.
I'll share that link with her.

 

[Tim Colling]

Re: ▶ GEO Citations: Map Listings with Full Citations - Some With Do Follow Links

...I wouldn't do the free version with backlink attribution. I'd rather just pay the $1/month for the service. Cheap enough...

One thing I didn't find on their site when I looked for it: what happens if you stop paying the $1 per month after a while?