Local SEO is a unique approach to optimizing your website and business for the search engine results that people in a particular area are likely to see. It incorporates traditional SEO strategies like optimizing your website content, Google My Business, citations, and review signals as well as location based factors.
Local searches on Google account for 46% of all searches and can be a great source of customers for your business. The more visible you are in the local search ecosystem, the more potential customers your business can attract.
Getting your business noticed locally is key for any business. Whether you are a local law firm, bakery, or hair salon, your customers are searching for businesses in their area. The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve your local SEO.
Start by identifying the keywords your customers are using to find you. Then, use those words in your website content and in the title of your page. It will help you rank higher in the local search results.
Next, focus on optimizing your website to be mobile friendly. This is a ranking factor for both regular organic searches as well as local search results. Lastly, if you have multiple locations, make sure to optimize each page for the local keywords that are relevant to that location.
Review Signals
The number and quality of reviews you have on your Google My Business (GMB) listing is a big part of your local SEO. The better your GMB score and the more positive reviews you have, the higher you will rank in local search results. You should also focus on collecting reviews on other sites that Google would expect a business to have reviews on, such as Facebook, Thumbtack, Yelp, Foursquare, and Angie’s List.
You should also pay attention to the type of words your customers are using in their reviews. For example, the word “near” is a common word used in local search queries. Try to include these terms in your online reviews and in the title of your GMB listing.
Prominence
Google’s local search rankings are based on relevancy, prominence, and other factors that demonstrate a high-quality business. To increase your relevance, ensure you have a complete and accurate profile with the correct address, hours, and services or products that you offer.
To increase your prominence, build up the number of positive reviews you have and promote your presence in local events or community activities. You should also consider partnering with local organizations to host or sponsor events, provide scholarships, or share content on your website. If possible, encourage your employees to participate in these activities as well. These activities will help you build trust and authority in your community, which can impact your search rankings. They will also boost your brand visibility and increase the number of customer referrals you receive.