Local SEO is a set of techniques that improve your chances of ranking higher in local search results. It involves optimizing your Google Business Profile listing and website, using specific keywords that are relevant to your region, and building citations across the web. It is also important to focus on reviews and social media presence, as these are strong ranking signals.
89 percent of people who look for local businesses do so online. And of those, half will visit a business within a day of searching. That’s a huge opportunity for any local business to boost their sales. However, if your local SEO strategy isn’t up to par, you could be missing out on this traffic.
There are many factors that influence local SEO, and they’re always changing. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest trends and developments in this area of marketing.
Here are some of the most important local SEO practices to implement for your business:
1. Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete.
The Google Business Manager, formerly known as the Google My Business tool, is a free service that allows you to create and manage your business’s listing on the search engine. You can use it to add photos, update your services, and monitor your performance.
2. Create quality content.
A great way to attract and convert local customers is by creating quality content that addresses the needs of your audience. To do this, you’ll need to understand your customers and what they are looking for when they search for local businesses. This will help you create content that answers these questions in an informative, engaging and useful manner.
3. Conduct keyword research.
Keyword research is an essential part of any local SEO strategy. It helps you identify the keywords that are most relevant to your location and target audience. Once you’ve found these keywords, integrate them into your website and Google Business Profile. This will drive targeted, relevant traffic to your website and increase your chances of appearing in local search results.
4. Check out your competitors.
Keeping an eye on your local competition is an important part of any marketing strategy. This can help you identify opportunities to grow your brand and gain a competitive advantage. To do this, you’ll want to focus on the kind of content they’re creating, the keywords they’re targeting, and their citation and review profiles.
5. Address negative reviews.
Negative reviews can damage your reputation and affect your ranking, so it’s important to handle them properly. First, try to resolve the issue privately if possible. If that’s not an option, respond publicly to the review and address any concerns the customer may have. This will show search engines that you care about your reputation and are taking steps to address any issues that arise.
Whether you’re a local contractor, dentist, plumber or restaurant, a strong local SEO strategy is vital to your success. By following these tips, you can improve your visibility in local searches and boost your bottom line.