Using local SEO to promote your business is a proven way to increase website traffic and improve customer satisfaction. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of consumers who search for local businesses on their mobile phones end up at the location where they searched. Not only are local search results more relevant, but consumers who find what they’re looking for in search results are also more likely to come back to the business in the future, as well as to recommend it to their friends.
What is local SEO marketing?
Local SEO marketing focuses on optimizing your online presence for searches that have local intent. Google’s traditional search algorithm includes geographic factors to determine relevance, so it is essential to tailor your content and website to local needs. For instance, make sure your business is listed on Google Maps and have a detailed profile.
Why link building matters for local SEO
Link building is another key aspect of local SEO. Creating relevant links will demonstrate your content’s local relevance and make it more likely to be found in local searches. Build links with other local businesses, as this will help search engines understand that your website is relevant to local consumers. Link building also helps your business grow organically and boost visibility.
How to set up your Google Business Profile
One of the most popular forms of local SEO is using Google Business Profiles to manage your listing on Google Maps. By making sure your NAP is consistent, your business will appear more prominently in mobile searches. This will boost your search rankings. It is also important to optimize your website for mobile searches.
Should you list your business in online directories?
Yes. Aside from the content on your website, you can use the hundreds of online business directories with millions of visitors. Add your business to several directories with relevant content and links back to your site. It is important to ensure that your website is listed in directories with high domain authority, as these are beneficial for your SEO.
How online reviews help local rankings
Google has stated that reviews increase credibility and help your website rank better. Having a large amount of positive reviews will also help your business become more credible. Increasing reviews also helps your business gain more traffic through local SEO marketing. Many people are now trusting online reviews. The more reviews a business has, the higher it will rank in local searches. Reviews are inexpensive and effective.
Build content around customer personas
Apart from SEO techniques, you should also consider implementing customer personas to attract more customers. Create profiles of your target customers and write content that matches their interests. List topics relevant to their buying journey and use these as the basis for creating content on your website. Creating content based on location-specific keywords is also a great tactic in local SEO marketing. These types of articles can contain news about local events, listings of local businesses, and general information about your city.
Should you add the cities you service to your site?
Yes. Adding the cities you service to your site helps with search engine rankings because customers want to know what cities your company services. Be careful not to add zip codes to your website if they are irrelevant to your business. Google penalizes websites with irrelevant zip codes, but when relevant, zip codes can help with local SEO marketing.
Keep NAP consistent across every site
Local SEO is an essential part of an overall SEO strategy, and even small businesses can benefit from it. A small business owner should make sure that the company name, address, and phone number are consistent across all sites. Otherwise, Google will not trust your website and may rank you lower than you would expect. Having the correct NAP is essential to local SEO. Make sure that all pages and content reflect your business.
Pair local SEO with offline and social marketing
Local SEO is also beneficial for offline marketing. Keep in mind that your customers are likely to walk into your business when searching for products or services. A direct mail campaign can be a great way to build a local following and website traffic. Local SEO can also help you build your social media following.
Use local reviews and social sites to improve visibility
Another important step in local SEO is to use local reviews to improve visibility. In addition to your website, your local presence should be present on social media sites and review sites.
Related coverage
- Local SEO Marketing Helps Your Business Stand Out to Potential Customers in Your Area
- Local SEO Explained: How Nearby Customers Find Your Business