Google Maps is a powerful tool for businesses to reach potential customers. It allows businesses to create a listing that includes their contact information, hours of operation, and other important details. One of the most important features of Google Maps is the ability to add icons to listings. These icons can be used to indicate different types of businesses or services offered. The two most common icons are blue and orange, but what do they mean?
The blue icon indicates that the business is verified by Google. This means that Google has checked the accuracy of the business’s information and has confirmed that it is correct. Businesses with a blue icon are more likely to appear in search results and have higher visibility on Google Maps.
The orange icon indicates that the business has not been verified by Google yet. This means that Google has not yet checked the accuracy of the business’s information or confirmed its validity. Businesses with an orange icon may still appear in search results, but they will have lower visibility on Google Maps than those with a blue icon.
It is important for businesses to make sure their listings are accurate and up-to-date so they can get the most out of their presence on Google Maps. To verify a listing, businesses must provide proof of ownership or authorization from an authorized representative of the business. Once this proof is provided, Google will review it and if approved, will change the listing’s icon from orange to blue.
Businesses should also keep in mind that there are other types of icons available on Google Maps besides blue and orange ones. For example, there are green icons which indicate businesses that offer special deals or discounts; yellow icons which indicate businesses with customer reviews; and purple icons which indicate businesses with photos or videos associated with them.
In addition to understanding what each type of icon means, it is also important for businesses to understand how these icons affect their visibility on Google Maps. As mentioned earlier, verified listings (those with a blue icon) are more likely to appear in search results than unverified listings (those with an orange icon). Additionally, listings with green, yellow, or purple icons may be more visible than those without any additional features associated with them.
Overall, understanding what each type of icon means on Google Maps can help businesses maximize their visibility and reach potential customers more effectively. By verifying their listing and adding additional features such as customer reviews or photos/videos, businesses can ensure they stand out from competitors and attract more customers through their presence on Google Maps.