Search engines such as Google have become the go-to way for many to locate businesses online. That means if your business doesn’t appear on the first page, it could be missing out on valuable leads and clients.
Local SEO can give your business a leg up on search engine results pages by helping it gain an advantage in organic traffic and sales. It also builds credibility for your business, which in turn increases traffic and increases sales.
Keyword Research
Keyword research is a critical component of your local SEO strategy. It allows you to identify the words your potential customers use when looking for products and services similar to what you offer, so that you can optimize your website for those searches and drive more relevant traffic towards it.
Keyword research can also be used to pinpoint potential link building opportunities. When Google detects high-quality links coming from other websites, it deems them valuable and increases your business’ local search visibility.
It is especially essential to have your local listings in order if you provide services in multiple cities and towns. You can increase your presence online by submitting information to local directories and review sites, as well as guest posting on high-authority websites.
In addition to increasing your local visibility, keyword research can also help identify potential customers who are ready to buy. According to Think with Google, nearly half of all searches conducted on Google have a local intent and 28% of those searches result in a purchase within 24 hours.
On-Page Optimization
If your business wants the best results from local SEO efforts, understanding how to optimize your website is essential. Doing so will make it simpler for Google to comprehend what your site is about and help boost rankings in search results.
On-page optimization involves several elements that will influence your website’s search engine rankings. These include keyword research, technical SEO and content creation.
Focus on the most essential keywords your customers will use when looking for your services, while adding relevant local content that helps boost your ranking. Doing this will guarantee you’re always visible to potential customers when they require what you have to offer.
Additionally, you can improve your local visibility by submitting your website to reliable local directories. Doing this will aid in increasing page rankings for local searches and provide authority for both your company and brand.
Off-Page Optimization
Off-page optimization refers to any actions taken outside your website that can help boost its rank on search engine result pages. This includes building backlinks, posting on social media networks and engaging with your audience.
Link building is the most prominent form of off-page SEO, and it has become a key ranking factor for both local and organic searches alike. According to BackLinko’s research, the #1 result on Google has 3.5x more backlinks than positions 2-10 combined.
Though many off-page SEO techniques are considered outdated, there are still effective strategies that can boost your rankings and attract customers. These include writing articles for publications, guest blogging, and social media engagement.
Another off-page strategy to consider is soliciting customer reviews. These testimonials will help build brand recognition and a solid reputation online, which could ultimately result in more traffic and improved search engine ranking.
Link Building
Local SEO is an effective digital marketing strategy for businesses looking to attract and retain more local customers. When consumers see your business listed on the first page of Google search results for geo-targeted keywords, they’re much more likely to visit your website, contact you directly, and ultimately make a purchase.
One of the most effective local link building tactics is to get your name, address and phone number (NAP) listed on high-quality websites that are pertinent to your industry. This may include directory listings, review sites or local blogs.
Another strategy is to collaborate with local business owners to produce content related to your area. This could involve recommending them on social media and linking their websites directly from yours.
Finally, contributing both time and goods to a charity close to your heart can generate quality links. Consumers tend to trust brands that contribute towards improving their communities, thus increasing your visibility on local search engines.