Local SEO is a set of practices that help you optimize your website and business listings for searchers within your geographical area. Search engines like Google take several factors into account when determining which local businesses should show up in the Map Pack, or the group of 3 results at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). Local searches are often made for products and services that people will need right away, such as plumbing services or restaurants. Getting your business in front of these searches is a critical part of your marketing strategy.
Getting started with Local SEO isn’t difficult, and there are many free resources to help you get on your way. The first thing you need to do is make sure your business information on Google is correct and up to date. This includes your name, address and phone number. It’s also important to include a map on your website, as 86 percent of local searches use a map to find the location of a business.
Next, make sure you’re using the right keywords. This will help you target a specific audience and avoid competing with national brands that are better established. Keyword research tools can help you find the most popular local terms that your audience is searching for.
Finally, build quality links to your website and local business listings. This will help improve your rankings and boost traffic. You can do this by reaching out to local bloggers and journalists and promoting your content on social media. You can also try using backlink analysis tools, such as Semrush, to see how your competitors are attracting links.
You should also create a blog that covers local topics. This can be done by writing articles about things that happen in your community or interviewing local experts in your field. It’s also a good idea to use localized keywords in your blog posts and meta descriptions.
Another great way to promote your business is by creating local events. This can be a great opportunity to network with other businesses in your area and increase brand awareness. Make sure to post about these events on your social media channels and include a link to your website. This will encourage local searchers to visit your site and may even drive traffic from outside your city.