Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence to attract customers in your geographic area. It’s especially important for brick-and-mortar businesses, but even service-based businesses and e-commerce retailers can benefit from local SEO tactics.
46% of all Google searches have local intent, so it’s more important than ever to be visible in local search results. If you’re not ranking highly in local search, your business is missing out on potential customers.
To rank in local search, you need to optimize your website and Google My Business profile for local keywords. To find the right local keywords, do keyword research using tools like Moz’s Keyword Explorer or Answer the Public. You can also use search autocomplete and “People also ask” features to understand what your audience is searching for.
Focus on keywords with high search volume and low competition, and incorporate them into your website content, blog posts, and social media updates. You can also create local landing pages for specific products or services that you offer, and optimize them for those keywords.
A well-optimized title tag and meta description will help you appear in local search results. The text in these elements acts as a mini-ad, so it’s important to craft them carefully. Include your local keywords and a call to action to encourage people to click through to your site.
Review and update your offsite content regularly. This includes written content such as reviews, articles, and blog posts. It also includes visual content such as photos and videos of your business, staff, and products, and audio content such as podcasts and interviews. In addition, make sure your NAP is consistent across all of your online platforms and directories. Our free local search tool, Listing Management, can help you submit your business to dozens of directories and monitor for any inconsistencies or errors that might need to be corrected.
Social media can be an effective tool for generating buzz about your local business. Leverage your followers to spread the word about events, special offers, and other news that will resonate with local audiences.
Traditionally, link building has been used to boost rankings. But it can also be an effective way to promote local content and build trust with your audience. Local link building strategies include guest blogging, contacting local influencers, and reaching out to the community. It’s also important to leverage industry and niche-specific websites to get links from authoritative sources. For example, if you’re an HVAC company, reach out to your local trade publications to secure relevant links. Also, don’t forget about getting listed in your local Chamber of Commerce. While it may take some time to secure these links, they can have a big impact on your local search rankings.