Does embedding Google map help local SEO?

[Berner]

Hi I am curious if adding a embedded Google map to a footer helps for Local seo?

Thank you

[MattAntonino]

We've tested this a few ways.

1. Add map to the footer - seems to help somewhat.  Not a big jump but definitely a boost.

2. Add map to the contact page along with the address - this helped the most in our testing.

3. Add map to any other page - no effect in our tests.

We tested 2 controls and 4 sites set each way = 14 total.

Of the 14, the 2 controls and the 2 "any other page" had very little improvement.  The 8 on #1 and #2 had definite moves and so it does seem to affect the results. Putting the address on the page, along with an embedded G map was by far the best for us.

[EGOL]

Awesome information, Matt.

Thank you.

[stephenfishman]

Thank you very much for sharing those results.

[GaryVictory]

Thanks for sharing Matt - we did a similar test and found improved SERP results with a full address/G map on the contact page above the fold.

[David-Kley]

I think adding the map by itself couldn't hurt, but I would combine it with schema organization or business markup  for the best results. You can specify where your physical location is with either of those two mentioned.

[David-Kley]

Sorry to double post, but I went and looked and they also have one specifically for local business.

http://schema.org/LocalBusiness