There are several benefits to Local Search Engine Optimization. One of the biggest is the ability to attract local customers. According to Google, 46% of searches are local. These consumers are likely to make a purchase if they have a need. To achieve local visibility, you must optimize your site for local searches. Using Local SEO techniques will boost your visibility on search engines and help you gain higher rankings on map packs. Here are some things you should know.
If you own a brick-and-mortar business, you already know how important it is to reach local customers. Whether your business has a single location or multiple locations, local SEO is a must. It will ensure that your website is prominently displayed in local searches. Moreover, local SEO is beneficial to brick-and-mortar businesses with several locations. The more local customers you have, the more likely your business will grow.
In local SEO, your NAP information is crucial. It contains your name, address, phone number, and website URL. Your NAP should be consistent across all platforms. You should also use consistent keyword usage throughout your website content. Using the same NAP for all of your listings will improve your chances of ranking well in local searches. Also, make sure to list your phone number and NAP wherever it appears. Listed phone numbers will help users to contact you.
As a business owner, your website is the first thing that potential customers will see when they are performing local searches. Your target audience is local, so your website should focus on achieving top local search rankings. However, many of your competitors are experts in these areas, so you need to go beyond the basics. By looking beyond these basics, you can stand out from your competitors and find opportunities that your rivals haven’t yet tapped into.
The first page of search results is critical. Almost half of all searchers never go past the first page of results. During local searches, most people are in a “find and purchase” or “contact” mode. They don’t want to spend all day comparing different options. They want results NOW. If you’re not on the first page of local search results, you’re missing out on potential customers who are ready to take action.
Another key factor to consider is how local search works. Getting a good local search result is important because local searches are highly likely to convert to actual sales. Moreover, Google uses mobile-first indexing, which means that if your site is mobile-friendly, your site will rank higher for local searches. That’s why it is crucial to get the right local SEO strategy for your business. When done correctly, Local SEO will make you more visible and accessible to customers.
Local SEO can be like a telephone book for your business. Yellow pages and newspaper ads are on the decline, but local SEO can generate more calls and online contact forms. In addition to improving your business’ visibility, local search engine optimization will increase your page rankings and improve your online visibility. And it is worth noting that 97% of consumers only search online for local services, and 95% of them won’t look past the first page of search results.
Your local SEO strategy should begin with setting up a Google Business Profile (GBP). Without this, your business will not appear in the Local Pack, Local Finder, or Google Maps. It will also be missing out on a massive chunk of potential custom. Be sure to add photos to your GBP, and write a keyword-optimized business description. A Google Business Profile training course is available from BrightLocal Academy.
Another important aspect of local SEO is the importance of local citations. Local citations are any online mention of your business’ name, address, and phone number. Citations can impact your local SEO rankings positively or negatively. According to Google, citations make up 8% to 10% of local SEO ranking factors. Having accurate local citations signals to Google that your site is trustworthy. Nonetheless, some businesses fail to notice these citations. In these cases, it is vital to correct them to protect their search rankings and customer experience.