Local SEO is a specific form of search engine optimization (SEO) that focuses on optimizing your website for local searches. This involves using location-based keywords, Google My Business citations, and review signals. Any business that has a physical establishment or serves a geographic area can benefit from local SEO. However, some industries may need to prioritize it more than others.
A local SEO strategy is an essential component of your marketing efforts. It helps your business stand out from the competition, resulting in more customers and growth. The good news is that it’s not as difficult as you might think to get your website optimized for local search. You just need to know the right strategies and techniques to implement.
89 percent of mobile searches have local intent, meaning that people are looking for businesses and services near them. This means that it’s more important than ever to ensure your local SEO is up-to-date and fully optimized.
There are many different factors that go into local SEO, but a few of the most important ones include Google My Business listings, local citations, and review signals. These all influence your business’s visibility in local search results, and can be a big factor in whether or not you appear in the “map pack” at the top of the SERP.
Google’s algorithm is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest local SEO best practices. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind:
Having consistent, accurate Google My Business listings is essential for local SEO. This includes the business name, address, phone number, and other relevant information. Having this information consistently updated will help your business rank higher in search results, as well as being more likely to appear in the Google carousel and local pack.
Another important aspect of local SEO is having a strong backlink profile. This includes links from local newspapers, magazines, and other publications. It’s also a good idea to get involved in local community events and activities, such as charity initiatives or sponsoring local teams or events. This can not only help your local SEO but will also help you build relationships with other businesses in the area.
It’s also important to have quality content on your website. This can be in the form of blog posts or pages on your site. A great example is Airbnb’s Miami page, which features city-specific topical content that matches search intent. Additionally, topic cluster pieces are becoming a more favored ranking signal by search engines, so be sure to incorporate your local keywords into your content.
Finally, it’s important to pay attention to reviews and feedback from your customers. These can be found on your website, on social media, and on other local listing sites like Yelp. Keeping an eye on these can help you identify areas of improvement and make necessary changes to your website. It can also help you stand out from competitors and demonstrate your commitment to customer service.