In the case of local SEO, it’s not enough to have a site that ranks well on search engines. In fact, the quality of links that a site receives can affect how well it ranks on local search results. Not only can a website accrue authority, but it can also actively pursue it by earning links and mentions from other websites. To maximize the effect of your local SEO efforts, you should avoid buying links or schemes that inflate your link count.
While the basic SEO local search formula consists of location and service, it is a good idea to incorporate local search terms into content wherever possible. These phrases can be part of pillar content, blogs, or social posts. For example, a dealership might mention that it serves the town it calls home, while a blog post on how to find the best Honda deals in Northwestern Montana might contain local search terms. By doing so, the business will be visible on the search results page.
In addition to improving local search results, local SEO also involves optimizing your site for specific regional searches. For example, if a person is searching for a hotel in a town near their home, Google may not return the business listing unless it knows the intent of the user. This means, for a hotel business, for example, a local search result will not return a website for booking hotels, because Google has determined that the user wants to see a listing for multiple hotels in the area.
Using local SEO techniques can increase the visibility of a business in local search results, particularly when it comes to brick-and-mortar businesses. In fact, 97% of consumers turn to Google when they need a local service, and only 72% of them choose to visit a local business. Today’s consumers are more likely to trust a company that has a high-quality web presence and five-star reviews. Local SEO will make a big difference for your brick-and-mortar business.
Developing a local SEO strategy is not rocket science. In fact, it is a highly effective marketing strategy for local businesses, as long as it is carried out by qualified professionals. Google can determine a location based on the IP address, GPS information, and context of a search query, as well as your Google My Business profile. By creating a targeted marketing strategy, a company will have more chances to reach the right consumers.
Aside from boosting the visibility of your site in local search results, local SEO also allows your business to get noticed by users in the same vicinity. Many consumers rely on location-based search results to make buying decisions. It’s no wonder that local SEO is so important today. If you’re looking for a local SEO strategy, SEO Design Chicago is ready to help you reach your goals. Our team is dedicated to helping you develop a comprehensive marketing plan centered on location-based search.
Aside from local SEO, you should also make use of the local pack, local Finder, and localized organic results. The local pack, for example, features three organic results, although ads can also be featured there. This listing is based on your business’s Google Business Profile (GBP). Without a GBP, your company cannot appear in the local pack. This makes it important for you to have a GBP. This profile is a great way to promote your business locally.