Local search marketing helps nearby customers find your business before they find your competitors. With 80% of people using Google to find local businesses and 50% of all searches carrying local intent, optimizing for “near me” and city-level queries is one of the most direct ways to increase traffic and sales.
Why Local Search Marketing Matters
Searches for “near me” have increased by 100–2000% in the last year. A comprehensive local search strategy increases your visibility in local searches, attracts new customers, builds reputation and credibility online, and ultimately drives more revenue.
Optimize Listings for the Surrounding Area, Not Just One City
Using local keywords for a single town or city is not enough. Optimize your listings for the surrounding area as well. Claiming and optimizing local listings is a core part of local SEO, alongside consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) and NAPU details across every platform.
Create Content Local Consumers Will Read
Make sure to create content that local consumers will read. Relevant, valuable content is one of the best ways to get noticed by nearby customers and is an important part of local SEO.
Get Your Meta Titles and Descriptions Right
Meta titles and descriptions appear on search engine results pages and communicate your business’s local credentials. Consult a web design professional if you need help adding this information, and keep your local SEO consistent across platforms.
Target Local Keywords
Your business should target local keywords that are specific to your location. If you are targeting a particular city, optimize your site for that keyword. In general, the more relevant local keywords you have, the more visibility you’ll get.
Stay Consistent in Popular Directories
Having accurate information in popular directories helps your business get better rankings. Inconsistent information will not help consumers find you. Accurate NAP and website URL on every platform form the foundation of local search marketing.
Treat Local SEO as a Marathon
A comprehensive local SEO strategy helps you get more customers and boost sales over time. Local SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. GoSite’s Placement tool can help maximize your local search results with a little research up front.
FAQ
What is local search marketing?
Local search marketing is the process of optimizing your online presence so that nearby customers can find your business when they search on Google or other search engines. It includes claiming local listings, targeting local keywords, and creating relevant content.
Why is NAP consistency important for local SEO?
NAP stands for name, address, and phone number. Keeping your NAP and website URL accurate and consistent across every platform you use is the foundation of local search marketing. Inconsistent information hurts rankings and makes it harder for consumers to find your business.
How much have “near me” searches grown?
Searches for “near me” have increased by 100–2000% in the last year, while 80% of people use Google to find local businesses and 50% of all searches have a local intent.
Related coverage
- How to Use Local Search Marketing to Boost Traffic to Your Website
- Local SEO Marketing Helps Your Business Stand Out to Potential Customers in Your Area