Local SEO is a process of optimizing a business’s online presence to generate more traffic and customers in a specific geographic area. It differs from regular SEO in that it takes into account a local audience and the proximity of a search’s location. Local searches make up a significant portion of Google’s search queries, and businesses that perform well in this area can see a dramatic increase in traffic. In fact, Google research shows that four out of five consumers who search for something local on their phone visit a related business within the day.
The first step in successful Local SEO is ensuring that the business’s information is accurate and consistent across all online platforms. This includes its website, social media, review sites, and its GMB (Google My Business) profile. Adding hours of operation, including holidays, and relevant keywords to the business description is important as well.
Ensure that the business’s name, address, and phone number are up to date on all online directories as well. This includes major directory sites like Yelp, Bing Maps, and Facebook. Adding photos to the GMB profile is also a great way to attract attention and potential customers.
Another important factor in Local SEO is building links to the website from other websites that are ranked high in the local pack. According to Moz’s Local Search Ranking Factors survey, link building and NAP consistency are the top two factors that influence a business’s rank in local search results. This is a key aspect of traditional SEO, but it becomes even more crucial when working on local SEO.
Finally, a business should create content that is relevant to the local community. This can be done through blogs, infographics, podcasts, and more. Providing valuable and unique insights that are missing from other websites can help to boost the business’s ranking in local search results.
For example, a cleaning service may focus on local events, news, and other relevant information in its blog content. Additionally, it can use local keywords in its title tags and meta descriptions to show up in search results for that term.
While local SEO requires different tactics than regular SEO, it still relies on many of the same principles. A few of the most essential elements include making sure the business’s online information is up to date, building links to the site from other local websites, and creating a dedicated GMB page for each location. By following these tips, a business can significantly improve its chances of showing up in local search results. This coveted real estate can lead to more leads, sales, and customers in a short amount of time. If you need help with your local SEO, contact us today! We are happy to help. We specialize in SEO for small businesses. We are located in Denver, Colorado and work with clients nationwide. We have over 10 years of experience. Our services are affordable and effective. We offer a free consultation and a satisfaction guarantee.