1. Overview to Ranking Arizona
If you’re a business owner in Arizona or someone interested in the state’s thriving business ecosystem, chances are you’ve heard of Ranking Arizona. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter so much?
This guide covers everything you need to know—from how to get your business listed to what it takes to voted #1 in your category. We’ve also packed it with actionable tips based on Google’s algorithmic preferences to boost your SEO and visibility.
2. What Is Ranking Arizona?
Ranking Arizona is the largest business opinion poll in Arizona, published annually by AZ Big Media. It allows the public to vote for their favorite businesses in various categories such as healthcare, real estate, technology, education, hospitality, and more.
The rankings featured in a highly circulated publication called “Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business”, which serves as a go-to resource for residents and professionals looking for top-tier businesses across the state.
3. Why Ranking Arizona Matters for Your Business
Here’s why being listed (and ranked highly) in Ranking Arizona a big deal:
- Credibility Boost: A high rank is a stamp of approval from the local community.
- Free Marketing: Featured companies often get highlighted across digital and print platforms.
- Trust & Social Proof: Consumers trust peer recommendations. Ranking Arizona is a public vote.
- Search Visibility: Many top-ranked companies get backlinks and mentions that help SEO.
- Lead Generation: More exposure means more inquiries, leads, and sales.
4. Who Publishes Ranking Arizona?
Ranking Arizona published by AZ Big Media, a reputable Arizona-based publishing house known for magazines like AZRE (Arizona Commercial Real Estate) and AZ Business Magazine. They have been a key player in the business media scene in Arizona for over 30 years.
Their credibility ensures the Ranking Arizona publication widely trusted, further enhancing its value to businesses.
5. How the Ranking Process Works
Understanding how the Ranking Arizona voting process works is key to positioning your business for success.
How Voting Happens:
- Open to the Public: Anyone can vote online at RankingArizona.com.
- Annual Cycle: Voting typically runs for several months each year.
- One Vote per Category per Email Address: Encourages fairness and wide participation.
- User-Based Voting: Rankings 100% decided by the public—no panels or judges.
Ranking Criteria:
Unlike typical business awards based on financial metrics or editorial opinions, Ranking Arizona purely vote-based. This means small and medium businesses can compete fairly with large corporations.
6. Key Benefits of Being Featured
1. Local Recognition
Being featured helps your business stand out in your industry and community.
2. Enhanced Brand Awareness
Your brand gets visibility in one of Arizona’s most respected directories.
3. Increased Web Traffic
A listing in the online version can drive referral traffic to your website.
4. SEO Authority
High-ranking businesses often earn backlinks, improving their Google rankings.
5. Networking Opportunities
Getting featured opens the door to collaborations, partnerships and new clients.
7. How to Get Your Business Ranked
Getting ranked starts with getting listed, followed by actively engaging your network to vote.
Step 1: Submit Your Business
Visit rankingarizona.com and submit your company for inclusion in the next voting cycle.
Step 2: Choose the Right Category
Make sure you select the most accurate and strategic category for your business. Misplacement can hurt your chances.
Step 3: Promote Voting
Share the voting link with your customers, partners, employees, and followers. Email marketing and social media are key tools here.
8. Tips to Maximize Your Votes
To help your business rank higher, follow these proven strategies:
1. Email Campaigns
Send periodic reminders with direct voting links to your email subscribers.
2. Social Media Posts
Use Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and even TikTok to encourage votes with engaging posts and stories.
3. QR Codes at Physical Locations
Add a QR code at your store or office that links to the voting page.
4. Internal Teams
Encourage your staff to vote and share the campaign with their personal networks.
5. Strategic Timing
Push for votes early and consistently during the open voting window to stay top-of-mind.
9. Categories You Can Ranked In
Ranking Arizona covers over 250 business categories, grouped under major industries such as:
- Real Estate
- Healthcare
- Finance & Insurance
- Construction
- Legal Services
- Education
- Hospitality
- Retail & Consumer Services
- Technology & Innovation
Each category has subcategories, so you can find a precise match for your niche.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing the Wrong Category
Misclassification reduces your chance of votes from relevant audiences.
2. Not Promoting Early
Businesses that wait too long to start promoting usually fall behind.
3. Ignoring Local SEO
Google favors businesses with a strong online presence. Make sure your website is optimized with local keywords like “top dentist in Phoenix” or “best accounting firm in Scottsdale.”
4. Violating Voting Rules
Trying to game the system (like using bots or fake emails) can get your votes disqualified.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there a fee to listed in Ranking Arizona?
No, it’s free to listed and voted on. However, advertising options are available for increased visibility.
Q2: Can I vote for my own business?
Yes! You and your staff can vote once per category per email address.
Q3: How do I find out if my business is already listed?
You can search the Ranking Arizona website or contact AZ Big Media directly to confirm.
Q4: When does voting usually start and end?
Voting typically runs from August to July of the following year, with final results published in March.
Q5: What happens if I win?
Winners featured in the print and digital versions of the magazine, and may invited to media features and networking events.
12. Final Thoughts
Getting ranked in Ranking Arizona more than just a badge of honor—it’s a powerful way to gain recognition, boost your business visibility and establish credibility in a competitive marketplace.
By understanding the voting process, strategically engaging your network, and optimizing your online presence, your business has a real shot at making it to the top.
