Local search engine optimization (SEO) is like SEO in that it too is an ongoing process, directly affecting the rankings of a site or a particular web page in the unpaid listings of a search engine called the “organic” or “unpaid results” often referred to as the “free” or “no cost” results. Organic results are determined by a combination of several factors such as the amount of backlinks directed to a site and the total number of pages that have included the link on their home page. The natural or unpaid results are determined by the results of various paid surveys as well as market research. While SEO is a necessary and important element for success, many marketers and business owners may overlook the importance of Local Search Engine Optimization.
Online searches are conducted by millions of users looking for local businesses and services. As these searches continue to grow, more businesses will need to find a way to make their presence known in this ever-expanding market place. Websites can appear in the organic or paid results of Google searches, but they must be well optimized to rank highly in the natural or unpaid listings. Small businesses that want to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Google’s popular search function, Local SEO, should consider taking part in Local Search Engine Optimization.
By participating in the process of Local Search Engine Optimization, these businesses can benefit from several benefits. First, they can increase the amount of visitors that come to their websites through the increased use of local search marketing techniques. When a user conducts a search using the words “local” or “market”, there is a strong likelihood that the person is searching for services or products that are located in the area that the searcher is searching. For example, if a searcher was searching for a carpet cleaner in San Francisco, the person would most likely type in “San francisco cleaning” or “bay area cleaning”. If the business that is listed in the top three results on the first page of the search is a service provider that is located in San Francisco, businesses in the area can take advantage of increasing traffic caused by the presence of other local businesses.
Another benefit is that local customers tend to utilize the same keywords that are utilized by other local businesses. Therefore, the use of Local SEO will help to promote consistency among business names. It is important to include all of the contact information, including a business address, phone number, website, and physical location, along with any specials or discounts, at the top of any local search engine optimization plan. Many of these businesses will also have a blog, providing additional information and insight into the services that they offer. If these companies are also offering Google Maps or Android applications, these should also be included. Local Search Engine Optimization is beneficial because many of these local businesses provide more than one type of website.
When optimizing for a specific location or industry, it helps to focus on key phrases that appeal to the local customers. For example, if a local business is specializing in offering pet grooming services, a local search engine optimization plan should include the phrases “pet grooming San Francisco” or “pet grooming San Francisco residents”. These phrases will target specific keywords that allow visitors to easily locate a business that caters to their particular needs.
In addition to using keywords to help increase visitors to websites, local search engine optimization should also include strategies for increasing the amount of visible links. Many businesses that offer online services do not have websites, therefore they rely on other websites and blogs to gain visibility. The creation of backlinks is important for local marketing strategies and will increase the amount of exposure of a business.
Organic linking has been proven to be effective when it comes to increasing website visibility and creating backlinks. However, many businesses prefer to use local search engine optimization strategies that offer organic results. Organic linking is the process of building links that are natural and not artificial. These links are built from websites that are similar to yours and build a natural link from the two sites. This increases the amount of exposure that your site will have in the organic section of a search engine results page.
The most important goal of local SEO strategies is to increase traffic to websites. By increasing traffic, customers are more likely to return and make purchases. In addition to providing consumers with an easy way to locate businesses in the local area, the increase of traffic can also lead to an increase in sales. Therefore, a small business use local search engine optimization techniques to market their website and increase profits. For more information on how a small business use local seo techniques, contact a professional SEO consultant today.