Local SEO marketing enables businesses to reach more customers, drive foot traffic and boost conversions. It also assists in building a strong online reputation and fostering business expansion.
Utilizing the correct local SEO tactics can help a business rise higher in Google’s search results and attract more local consumers, ultimately leading to increased revenue and success for the enterprise.
Keyword Research
Keyword research is an essential step in your SEO campaign. It assists you in selecting the appropriate keywords for your website, so Google understands what your business is all about.
Ubersuggest is an ideal tool to search for keywords related to your business and determine their volume and difficulty level. The best tools will also display data on search volume over time, giving you insight into emerging trends so that you can take action before they become too popular.
Local SEO relies on finding keywords people use in your area to get your business in front of potential customers. With 76% of smartphone searchers visiting nearby businesses the same day and 28% making purchases, having keywords relevant to your target market is essential for gaining new business.
Selecting the correct keywords for your local SEO will enable you to attract more local customers and boost your website’s ranking. However, before beginning to target keywords, make sure you have a firm grasp on your audience’s needs.
On-Page Optimization
On-page optimization (OPO) is the practice of making modifications to your website in order to boost its ranking on search engines. This includes optimizing HTML and internal links, as well as including high-quality, pertinent content and images.
On-page SEO may be the simplest of the three SEO tactics, yet it has a major effect on your online growth. Not only does it extend your reach and help you rank higher on search engine results pages, but it also attracts more potential customers who are searching for products or services similar to what you offer.
On-page SEO includes techniques that enhance user experience on your site. Google wants to recommend only the best sites for its searchers, so making your website “delightful” is a key aspect of on-page optimization.
Link Building
Link building is an essential element of local SEO. Not only will it help your business be found in local searches, but it can also boost its ranking.
When targeting local links, it’s best to focus on relevant websites in your vicinity. This could include competitor sites, chambers of commerce sites, and other businesses that serve your desired audience.
One way to build links for your local business is through content marketing. Blogging about events and news in the area can be a great way to craft linkable material that people in your target market will want to link to.
You can also utilize local citation tools to construct your link profile, such as Yelp, YellowPages and Google Maps. Making sure your NAP (Name, Address and Phone Number) is correct on these directories will enhance rankings for geotargeted terms in both the local pack and organic search results.
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is an integral component of any local SEO campaign. It can help you connect with new customers, generate leads and even boost sales.
Social signals can indirectly influence search rankings by driving traffic to your website. Furthermore, they improve brand awareness and foster trust with your target audience.
For instance, if you own or operate a restaurant or bar, you can encourage customers to post photos of their experience using your business location as the hashtag on Instagram.
Similar to Google+, you can encourage customers to leave reviews about your products there – which Google displays in its results. While this isn’t a ranking factor, it does help potential customers decide whether or not they should visit your business.
Social media can be an extension of your overall SEO strategy, but it’s essential to remember that social links aren’t as beneficial as organic backlinks.