All right, diving deep today into Google Maps,
but not for directions.
We're gonna uncover those hidden income opportunities.
You know, you sent us that YouTube video.
Oh yeah.
Five ways to make money online with Google Maps.
I imagine.
$1,500 hour from the channel Superhuman's Life.
That's the one.
Intriguing.
It is, yeah.
What I find fascinating is how the video flips the script.
Yeah.
It makes us rethink how we usually view Google Maps.
Right.
Most of us think of Google Maps as, you know.
Just a tool.
Yeah, as a tool for our needs.
Russ.
But really it's this massive ecosystem
that businesses rely on to connect with customers.
Yeah, absolutely.
So that's where the opportunity lies.
Okay, cool.
For someone with a know how to bridge that gap.
All right, so let's break down these five strategies
and see if they really hold up under a closer look.
All right, so the first one.
It focuses on Google business profiles.
Okay.
Which are essentially the online storefront
for a business on Google Maps.
I see.
Think about it.
Okay.
When you're looking for a new restaurant or a shop,
you're more likely to click on a profile.
Right.
That's visually appealing.
Yes.
With lots of photos.
Definitely.
Customer reviews and complete information.
Totally.
I'm a sucker for those like mouthwatering food photos
and glowing reviews.
Right, exactly.
A poorly maintained profile.
Yeah.
It's like the digital equivalent of a shop
with a dusty storefront and flickering lights.
Nobody wants to go there.
Right.
In the video, the creator claims to have made $700.
Whoa.
In just a few hours,
just by optimizing these profiles for businesses.
That's impressive.
They even shared a link.
Okay.
In the description to a free document.
Nice.
With scripts and templates for reaching out to businesses.
That's a pretty compelling case study.
Yeah.
Do you think that most businesses are aware of?
That's a great question.
How much their Google business profile
impacts their online visibility.
You'd be surprised.
You're really?
How many businesses are missing out?
Wow.
A lot of businesses haven't even claimed their profiles.
Oh wow.
Which is essentially leaving money on the table.
So finding those businesses is a huge opportunity.
Sure.
For someone offering optimization services.
But absolutely.
So it sounds like the first step
is to become a bit of a digital detective.
I like that.
Scouring Google Maps for those diamond in the rough businesses.
Yeah.
With neglected profiles.
Spot on.
Once you've identified a potential client.
It's about guiding them through the process.
Okay.
Of claiming their listing, updating their information.
Choosing the right business category.
Yeah.
Adding high quality photos.
And encouraging customer reviews.
Yeah.
The video provides a step by step guide
on making those profiles shine.
The creator even highlighted the power
of using specific keywords.
In the business description
to attract the right customers.
That's key.
It's like fine tuning a search engine magnet.
Exactly.
Yeah.
It's about understanding the local search landscape.
And ensuring those key words.
Yeah.
Align with what potential customers
are actually searching for in that area.
Okay.
That covers the basics of optimizing
Google business profiles.
What's the next strategy for turning Google Maps
into a money making machine.
The second strategy.
Okay.
Builds on the first one.
Mm-hmm.
Delves into the world of local SEO.
Right.
So now instead of just optimizing the profile itself.
Okay.
It's about ensuring the business dominates
the local search results.
Got it.
On Google Maps.
Uh-huh.
Think of it like amplifying their presence
to reach even more potential customers.
Right.
In their area.
I see.
The video gave the example of a dentist.
Oh yeah.
Who was struggling to attract patients in their area.
Because they weren't showing up prominently
in local searches.
Yeah.
They needed that local SEO boost.
Yeah, they did.
To ensure potential patients looking for a dentist
nearby could actually find them.
Perfect example.
Yeah.
If you're not showing up on that first page of results.
You're practically invisible.
Yeah.
To potential customers.
It's so true.
Local SEO involves a range of tactics.
Okay.
And one that often gets overlooked is building citations.
Now for those of us who aren't SEO gurus.
Right.
Can you explain what a citation is in this context.
Sure.
It's essentially any online mention of a business's name,
address, and phone number.
Okay.
Think of like building credibility signals across the web.
I see.
When Google sees consistent information about a business.
Yeah.
On reputable websites and directories.
Uh huh.
It boosts their trustworthiness and ranking
in local search results.
Ah, so it's like building a web of trust for that business.
Yeah.
The more consistent citations.
Uh huh.
The more Google trusts that this is a legitimate business.
Yeah.
With a real presence in that area.
Precisely.
The video recommends exploring free resources
like Moz's beginner's guide to SEO.
Cool.
To dive deeper into this.
Okay.
It emphasizes that even mastering just a few key SEO tactics
can be incredibly lucrative.
They mentioned that someone skilled in local SEO.
Yeah.
Can potentially earn thousands of dollars a month.
Right.
Managing multiple clients.
That's right.
That definitely makes it worth exploring further.
Sure.
But let's keep this money train rolling.
All right.
What's the third strategy in our Google Maps treasure map?
This one taps into the power of visuals.
Okay.
It involves creating virtual tours.
Cool.
For businesses to showcase their spaces directly
on their Google Maps listings.
I see.
Imagine being able to step inside a restaurant or hotel.
Yeah.
And experience the ambiance.
Mm-hmm.
Before you even step foot in the door.
It's like offering a sneak peek behind the curtain.
Yeah.
I know I've personally booked hotels.
Me too.
Based on those immersive 360 degree virtual tours.
Right.
It's a game changer.
Especially for businesses that rely on creating
a certain vibe or atmosphere.
Absolutely.
And research shows that virtual tours can link
to a significant increase in bookings and appointments.
Especially for businesses like hotels, restaurants,
salons, or real estate.
Interesting.
They help potential customers envision themselves
in that space.
Yeah.
And feel more confident about making a decision.
I get it.
Plus you don't need a Hollywood film crew
to create these tours.
The video mentions that you can get started
with just your smartphone or a basic camera and a tripod.
That's all you need.
There's even a free Google Street View app.
Yeah.
For creating and publishing these tours directly
to Google Maps.
Exactly.
It's about being resourceful.
Yeah.
And understanding the fundamentals of creating,
engaging visual content.
Right.
And just like with the previous strategies.
It's about finding those businesses on Google Maps
that are currently lacking this visual element.
So we're back to playing detective.
Yep.
This time searching for businesses with bare bones,
Google Maps profiles.
That's right.
Begging for a virtual makeover.
Exactly.
With a bit of creativity and a knack
for capturing compelling visuals,
you can offer a service that gives businesses
a serious competitive edge.
This is all incredibly fascinating.
It is.
I'm already starting to see Google Maps in a whole new light.
That's great.
But we've still got two more money making strategies to unpack.
We do.
What's next on our deep dive agenda?
Let's shift gears.
OK.
From showcasing a business visually
to getting them seen in the first place.
Got it.
The fourth strategy highlighted in the video
focuses on Google Maps ads.
OK.
Those sponsored listings you see at the top of the search
results.
Right.
They're like prime real estate.
I see.
In the digital world.
Yeah.
Putting those businesses front and center
for potential customers.
It's almost like a flashing neon sign.
Yeah.
Instantly grabbing your attention.
Right.
When you're searching for something specific.
But isn't managing online ads a bit more complex?
We can.
Than the previous strategies?
There's definitely a learning curve.
OK.
But the video breaks down the fundamentals
of creating effective Google Maps ads.
OK.
It emphasizes that the key is understanding
your target audience.
And crafting ad copy.
Right.
That speaks directly to their needs and desires.
So it's not just about throwing together a generic ad
and hoping for the best.
Right.
You need to know who you're trying to reach.
Yeah.
And what makes them tick.
Exactly.
The video gives an example of a local bakery.
OK.
That wanted to increase foot traffic.
Uh-huh.
So instead of just saying, come try our delicious pastries.
Right.
Their ad copy focused on a specific offer.
OK.
Freshly baked croissants.
Two for $5 before 10 AM.
Smart.
Right.
They were targeting those early morning commuters.
Yeah.
Looking for a quick and affordable breakfast treat.
That's a great example of how a targeted message
can make all the difference.
Right.
You're appealing to a specific need.
Yes.
At a specific time.
Precisely.
The video also stresses the importance
of strong calls to action in ad copy.
Right.
Instead of just passively describing the business,
you want to encourage people to take action.
Right.
Whether it's visiting the website,
calling for a quote, or making a reservation.
So it's about guiding those potential customers
towards that next step.
Yes.
Making it easy for them to convert from an interested viewer
to a paying customer.
Exactly.
And remember.
Yeah.
Google Ads operate on a paper click model.
OK.
Meaning the business only pays when someone actually
clicks on their ad.
Interesting.
This makes it a very cost effective advertising strategy.
I see.
Especially when those clicks are converting
into sales or bookings.
That makes sense.
Yeah.
You're not just blindly spending money.
You're paying for results.
Exactly.
And the beauty of Google Ads is that it provides a wealth
of data to analyze the performance of those campaigns.
Cool.
You can track metrics.
OK.
Like click through rates.
Right.
Conversion rates.
Yeah.
And cost per acquisition.
I see.
To see what's working and what needs tweaking.
So it's not a set it forget it kind of thing.
Yeah.
You need to be a bit of a data detective.
I like that.
Constantly monitoring those campaigns.
And making adjustments to maximize their effectiveness.
It's about being proactive.
Right.
And using that data to refine your strategies.
The video recommends exploring Google's free certification
courses to dive deeper into the world of online advertising.
It's amazing how many free resources
you have.
You're usually strong enough.
That things.
For people who want to learn these skills
and leverage their platforms effectively.
OK.
We've covered four strategies so far.
What's the final frontier of this Google Maps money making
journey.
The last strategy might just be the most intriguing one.
All right.
I read.
It involves using Google Maps.
Yeah.
For lead generation.
OK.
Essentially becoming the connector between businesses
and their ideal customers.
Interesting.
The video describes it as digital matchmaking.
Cool.
And it's potentially the most lucrative of the five
strategies.
I'm all about connecting the dots.
All right.
And making those magic matches happen.
I love it.
Can you give us a real world example.
Yeah.
Of how this lead generation strategy works in practice.
Let's say you're passionate.
OK.
About sustainable living.
All right.
And you notice there's a growing demand
for eco-friendly cleaning services in your city.
OK.
You could use Google Maps to identify cleaning businesses
that promote themselves as green or ego conscious.
I see.
Then you could build a database.
Yeah.
Of these businesses.
Uh-huh.
Verify their credentials.
OK.
And connect them with potential customers.
Yeah.
Who are specifically seeking these types of services.
So you're not just connecting any business
with any customer.
Yeah.
You're being selective.
Right.
And focusing on a specific niche.
Yeah.
Which allows you to become a trusted expert in that area.
Exactly.
The video emphasizes the importance of specialization
in lead generation.
OK.
It allows you to build targeted databases.
Right.
Cultivate relationships with key service providers.
Yeah.
And develop a deep understanding.
Right.
Of what potential customers in that niche
are looking for.
It's almost like becoming a niche consultant or broker.
It is.
You're the one with the inside knowledge and the connections
to make those valuable matches happen.
Exactly.
And there's flexibility in how you structure your pricing model.
OK.
You can charge per lead.
Meaning you get paid.
Right.
Every time you connect a business with a potential customer.
I see.
Or you can take a percentage of the revenue generated.
OK.
Meaning you get a cut of the sale or project.
That's great.
Because you can choose the model that
best aligns with your goals and the level of involvement
you want to have in those transactions.
But this all sounds too good to be true.
Well.
Are there any potential challenges or pitfalls
to be aware of with this lead generation strategy?
Like any entrepreneurial endeavor.
It takes work, dedication, and a willingness
to learn and adapt.
Right.
One challenge highlighted in the video.
OK.
Is building trust and credibility.
Right.
Especially when you're first starting out.
So how do you overcome that hurdle?
That's a great question.
And convince both businesses and potential customers.
Yeah.
That you're the real deal, the connector they can rely on.
It's about showcasing your expertise.
Demonstrating your knowledge of the niche.
Right.
And having a clear and transparent process.
OK.
For how you operate.
Yeah.
Testimilials and case studies.
Yeah.
From satisfied clients can go a long way
in building that trust.
It's like building that social proof.
Yeah.
That you're the matchmaker who consistently delivers results.
But what about finding those businesses that need leads?
Yeah.
Is it just a matter of scouring Google Maps for hours on end?
The video suggests a more strategic approach.
OK.
Think about the pain points.
Mm-hmm.
Businesses in your chosen niche might be facing.
OK.
For example.
Yeah.
If you're focusing on eco-friendly cleaning services.
Uh-huh.
You might target businesses that are struggling to attract
environmentally conscious customers.
So it's about understanding the challenges those businesses
are facing.
And positioning yourself as the solution provider.
Precisely.
OK.
You can reach out to those businesses directly.
OK.
Showcasing your understanding of their needs.
Yeah.
And offering a tailored solution that addresses
their specific challenges.
It's about being proactive.
Yes.
And demonstrating that you're not just blindly
connecting businesses with random leads.
Right.
You're offering a targeted and strategic approach.
Exactly.
That has the potential to generate real results.
Exactly.
And remember.
Yeah.
The video emphasized the importance of building relationships.
Yeah.
Both with the businesses seeking leads and the service providers.
Right.
Looking to expand their customer base.
Yeah.
It's about creating a win-win-win scenario.
I love that.
Where everyone benefits from those connections.
This has been an incredible deep dive.
It has been.
Into the world of Google Maps money making strategy.
It's fascinating, isn't it?
I'm honestly blown away.
Yeah.
By the sheer potential.
It's huge.
That exists within this platform that most of us use every day.
Right.
Without even realizing its full capabilities.
That's amazing.
Absolutely.
But we're not done yet.
We're not.
There's one final concept we need to explore.
Oh, OK.
Before wrapping up this deep dive.
You mentioned one last concept we need to explore.
Right.
Remember how we talked about lead generation?
Being like digital matchmaking.
Yeah.
Well, the video hints an even bigger picture.
OK.
Using Google Maps to create a whole digital marketplace.
OK.
Now you've really piqued my interest.
All right.
What would that look like?
I imagine instead of just connecting individual businesses
with clients.
You create a curated online directory.
OK.
Focus on a specific niche.
All right.
Let's stick with.
OK.
The eco-friendly cleaning services example.
Got it.
You could use Google Maps not just to find these businesses.
Right.
But to vet them.
OK.
Ensuring they meet your criteria for quality and sustainability.
So you're not just a matchmaker.
Right.
You're a curator.
Exactly.
Like a museum for awesome eco-conscious businesses.
That's a great way to put it.
This adds a layer of trust and value for the customer.
I see.
They know that any business listed in your directory
has been handpicked.
Right.
And meet certain standards.
You can even partner with those businesses
to offer exclusive deals or discounts for clients
who find them through your platform.
It's brilliant.
Right.
Customers get access to a curated selection.
Yeah.
Businesses get targeted exposure.
And you're the facilitator who benefits
from those connections.
It's a win-win for everyone.
And this is just scratching the surface.
Oh, wow.
The video suggests taking this concept even further.
OK.
Imagine building a platform where customers
can book those services directly.
Wow.
Seamlessly integrated with Google Maps
for scheduling and location-based features.
Wow.
It's like taking those Book Now buttons we see
on Google Business Profiles.
Exactly.
And super-charging them.
Yeah.
Creating a one-stop shop for all their needs
within that niche.
Precisely.
And the monetization possibilities are vast.
I bet.
You could charge businesses a listing fee,
a commission on bookings, offer premium features
for a subscription.
The sky's the limit when you control the marketplace.
Honestly, my mind is spinning with ideas right now.
It's exciting, isn't it?
It's amazing how these seemingly simple Google Maps
strategies can snowball into something so much bigger.
That's the beauty of approaching things
with an entrepreneurial mindset.
You start by seeing the potential in everyday tools.
Then you connect the dots.
And suddenly you're building something truly
innovative.
This deep dive has been an absolute game changer.
I agree.
I feel like we've barely scratched the surface
of what's possible with Google Maps.
There's so much potential there.
It's not just about finding your way.
Right.
It's about finding your way.
I like that.
You know what I mean?
Couldn't have said it better myself.
It all comes down to resourcefulness, creativity,
and a willingness to experiment.
Right.
This video was the spark.
Uh-huh.
But now it's up to each listener to take these strategies
and see where their own path leads.
So for anyone listening who's feeling inspired right now,
what's the one piece of advice you'd leave them with?
Don't overthink it.
OK.
Pick a strategy that resonates with you.
Do a little research and just start taking action.
Right.
The most important step is the first one.
Wise words.
Thank you.
This has been an incredible deep dive.
It has been.
Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise.
My pleasure.
To our listeners, we hope you walk away feeling empowered.
Absolutely.
To explore these Google Maps money-making strategies.
Remember, the map is just the beginning.
That's right.
The real adventure starts.
Yes.
When you take that first step.