Local search engine optimization (SEO) has become very popular over the past few years. As the name implies, local search engine optimization tends to affect and influence SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). Local search engine optimization is like organic SEO in which it impacts the rankings of a particular webpage or a site in the unpaid results of a search engine called the “organic” or “unpaid” results. The reason why companies like Callanetics, Applegate, and Weber Shandwick are very bullish about their Local SEO strategy is because they have seen their websites gain in ranking on the first page of Google for various key search terms.
The first thing you need to do before you start optimizing for Local SEO is to find out what keywords are used most in your city. Google loves keyword optimization; therefore, it pays to do some research on the chosen keywords to make sure you are using them effectively. This is where a good keyword analysis software comes in handy like Wordtracker, FreeEase or Infolab. You will also need to find a good Local SEO company like PowerScore to help you out with your keyword choice and choose the right optimization strategy for your company.
When optimizing for Local SEO, you need to take note of many things like the spelling of your business name, your brand name, your URL or domain name and your business description. Many times when people search for a particular product or service, these are the keywords that pop up in their queries. So, when you optimize for Local SEO, make sure you highlight these keywords to attract more traffic to your website. For example, if you have a website selling sports apparel, you would want to make sure you optimize for sports apparel keywords like shoes, baseball caps, t-shirts, jerseys, etc. If you are unsure of the exact keywords that you should use, consult an SEO expert or a local SEO company to assist you.
With the increasing popularity of the Internet, businesses of all sizes are venturing into the cyber world. With this, competition in the Local SEO industry is tough. However, there are ways you can improve your chances of winning over the fierce competition. One way is to get your website’s link placed at the very top of Google, Yahoo or MSN search pages. If you are in the business of selling shoes or sports apparel, you should try targeting the keywords that would best describe the products you sell like sneaker stores, sportswear stores, shoeshoes, etc. If you are located in the vicinity of a University, it would be advantageous to use keyword phrases related to the university like University of Sheffield, University of Nairobi, University of South Africa, etc.
Another way to increase your chances of getting ranked well on Google Local SEO is to submit your business name and address along with the URL to Google Maps. The objective of this is to enable Google to place your listing on Google Maps for relevant local searches. This is an important part of Local SEO, which Google emphasizes more as part of your submission to them. In addition to that, do not forget to include links to your website on your articles, press releases and blogs. These will help you increase your search volume, thus, improving your chances of getting indexed on Google Places.
To sum it up, optimizing your site for Google Local SEO is all about optimizing your site to bring more people search for the keywords that are relevant to your business. Make sure you include your location in all links and content to ensure that people search in the correct local area for your business name. You may also want to take the advantage of existing citations by other companies that are located close to your area. When these citations are used to boost your Google Places ranking, you will get a higher ranking as well.