If you don’t know what local SEO is, then it is time to know about it. Check out this definitive guide.
If you want your website to be seen by people all over the globe, you need to make sure it appears on the top page of Google’s search results. The purpose of search engine optimization (SEO) is to boost the number and quality of visitors to your website from global search results. The question then becomes, “What do you do if you want a local company to rank better in a certain area?” The answer lies in using a local SEO guide.
According to Social Media Today’s research, almost all internet users (97%) have looked for a local company online. In addition, 46% of all Google queries were made to find neighbourhood-specific content. Consequently, a company may lose out on potential clients and visitors if its website isn’t visible in local search results. That is to say; a local SEO guide may be the answer to your business’s prayers for continued success and prominence in the market.
If you’re just getting started with local SEO tips, you undoubtedly have many questions and don’t know where to begin.
With the information in this article, you’ll be able to effectively tackle local SEO ranking factors and compete in today’s market.
What is local SEO & When do I need local SEO?
Our first step in the local SEO guide is defining local SEO.
Let’s start with a definition of “local search” to get a handle on what “local SEO” entails. When someone searches for local companies, goods, services, or another information particular to a specific area, they do a local search.
Someone looking for a concert in their city would type “concerts near me,” while someone looking for a painter in their area may type “best painting service in [location].”
In contrast to standard Google queries, local search is narrowed in scope to a particular geographic area. And by “Local SEO Guide,” I mean the practice of enhancing your website’s discoverability in local search engines.
Why do your local SEO efforts matter?
While both the primary Google results and the local map pack results appear inside the standard Google organic search results, they are driven by distinct algorithms. If you own a local company, you may increase your visibility by showing up in the regular search results and the local map pack.
One of the most challenging aspects of web marketing for a company newcomer is determining where to concentrate efforts for maximum return.
Moz, a marketing analytics software business, releases an annual local SEO ranking factors study that polls the top 35 to 40 local SEO specialists from across the globe. Its findings are the most comprehensive to date on the elements that affect rankings in local search engines.
Localized content and local link popularity are elements in Google’s traditional search algorithm, thus it is imperative that you create local landing pages for each area (especially if you have many locations). These sites should feature your business name and its specifics like address and phone. They should also be optimized with title tags, meta descriptions, and SEO best practices. Your content marketing and backlinking strategy should also take this into account.
A local SEO strategy also considers location-based characteristics such as a Google My Business page, local citations from data aggregators, and review signals produced by local consumers.
It’s also worth noting that there is local search optimization (SEO) tools that can aid in the creation of locally oriented SEO audits by assisting with tasks such as the development of local audience-focused keyword research, the construction of citations, the management of Google My Business listings, business profile and Google posts, and the monitoring of inclusion in local packs.
Local signals such as GMB and review signals are analysed, similar to how Google’s conventional search algorithm prioritises information.
5 local SEO tips to improve your local search engine optimization campaign
Now let’s get to the meat of the matter: how to strengthen your local SEO strategy and climb the ranks in local search. There are many facets to this, but the following are the most important ones to consider:
1. Make sure your business is listed on Google My Business, and then improve that listing.
Google My Business (GMB) is a must-have for every local SEO campaign.
Use Google’s free listing creation tool for advertising your company online. In addition, Moz claims that this is one of the essential elements Google will use to determine a company’s position in organic local search and snack pack results.
Start your listing by going to Google My Business, claiming it, or making a new one.
For your GMB listing, please provide the following information:
- It would help if you used the exact and complete company name while doing business.
- Location of your actual shop or office
- Where you are on a map
- Types of Businesses You Run
- Your email and phone number: (if applicable)
Your listing won’t be active until you confirm it, often by calling or sending a postcard. GMB profiles may be improved by frequently adding new material and company announcements. And the new capability in Sprout Social to publish to your GMB profile makes it much more convenient.
2. Obtain several testimonials from satisfied clients
According to Moz research, review signals are critical to your local SEO guide and snack pack ranking.
Having many genuine, excellent reviews may do wonders for your online reputation and search engine rankings in a particular area.
Therefore, you should strive to amass more genuine evaluations of your company’s products and services from satisfied clients.
Keep your attention on review sites that Google has shown it finds use in the past. As a result, it will not only gather evaluations from your website and GMB listing but also from consumer directories and social media.
For this reason, it’s essential to get customer feedback on reviews like Facebook, Yelp, Thumbtack, Foursquare, Angie’s List, etc., as applicable.
3. Focus on establishing local connections
Moz claims that the linking domain authority and number of links are two of the most crucial local SEO ranking factors in determining a website’s position in local search and snack pack results.
The same logic applies to local SEO; you must develop links to improve your link profile just as you would for national SEO. On the other hand, the linked domains need to be more relevant to your intended audience’s area.
That’s why it’s essential to focus on authoritative sites in your intended market in local SEO strategy. Some examples of such organizations are licensing authorities, trade groups, business groups, and academic institutions with dot-com domains.
Gaining high-quality connections from regional websites could be difficult. Still, several options are available, including partnerships, scholarships, guest blogging, etc. For instance, the “Attractions” portion of the Connecticut College website has links to several area businesses.
4. Consider mobile devices
Since smartphones are already commonplace, it stands to reason that many people would use them to look for nearby services and resources. According to a survey commissioned by Uberall, 82% of respondents had used a mobile device to do a “near me” search. This demonstrates how widespread the use of mobile devices to do local searches has become.
Thus, it would help to accommodate these users by making your site mobile-friendly. Make sure mobile site users can quickly locate what they’re looking for and easily navigate your site.
Make sure your website and Google My Business page include call buttons. Sixty per cent of smartphone users have made direct contact with a company after finding it in a search result, which might significantly impact them.
5. Utilize social listening as a tool
While social listening has traditionally been used to get commercial intelligence, the practice has far-reaching implications. If you know what kinds of information to search for and how to make the most of them, it may even assist fuel your local SEO strategy.
Learn what people in your target market are saying about your company and in general by engaging in social listening. It might also be used to survey viewers and learn more about their preferences and concerns. Then, use this information to determine where your approach or offerings may need improvement.
One complaint you may have heard is that your café needs more outside seating. Perhaps it’s time to get it out to a broader audience. Then, you may improve your Google My Business SEO by blogging about a new seating arrangement.
Maybe your clientele has voiced their want for manicures as well as haircuts. You might edit your GMB profile to reflect an increase in services offered.
Additionally, social listening may provide insight into the local content preferences of your target audience. Once you have that information, you can construct a solid local content strategy to meet those demands. In addition, you may find valuable long-tail keywords for your SEO content campaign.
Also Read: 5 Simple Tips to Improve Local SEO
Which advantages does a local SEO guide have?
Improved rankings in local search engines are one of the main goals of the local SEO guide. As a result, it’s helpful if you want to broaden your local customer base, boost foot traffic, increase conversions, expand your brand’s reach, and expand your company.
1. Intensify Your Impact and Reach
More people may find your company if it appears higher in local search results. The searcher may then contact you through your website or phone or pay you a visit in person.
2. Inspire More Sales
Increasing your company’s search engine rankings will automatically improve website traffic, which may enhance revenue (such as sales, subscriptions, or service inquiries).
Consumers may not always need to visit your website if they can discover what they’re looking for in a search engine’s results.
A user may view directions to the location and place a phone call without ever leaving Google Search, as seen in the figure below. They may know the store’s address, phone number, and hours of operation:
3. Improve Your Standing
No matter the industry, a solid reputation is essential to the company’s continued success. Local search marketing is a great way to get your name and make a good impression.
Since they have been shown to influence buyer behaviour, online reviews are essential to maintaining a positive online reputation. This is a win-win local SEO strategy since local search engine optimization (SEO) rankings are positively affected by a continual stream of new evaluations.
Your local SEO Checklist to follow in 2023
Here are the complete local SEO tips & local SEO checklist to be followed in 2023 for your business.
- Optimize Title Tags
- Structure URLs
- Optimize Images
- Have consistent business information throughout all the platforms
- Optimize your navigation menu
- Feature complete location data
- Claim your GMB listing
- Select your business categories carefully
- Setup Google Analytics
- Develop mobile-friendly website
- Check competitor’s citations
- Remove duplicate citations
- Look to generate more reviews
- Add recognizable testimonials
- Build Quality Backlinks
So, this is our local SEO checklist to be followed for your business in 2023.
In Conclusion
After reading this, you should feel more prepared to respond to the question, “What is local SEO marketing?” and see the significance of SEO for any local company.
A local SEO guide can’t be ignored when it comes to online marketing. Suppose you have a physical location or service area. In that case, local search engine optimization may increase your visibility to potential customers online. We intend this post aids you in your quest to become an online expert while building your brand.
Keep in mind that local SEO might cover many geographic areas. You may use these same principles across your regions if you have a global SEO strategy. Use them to boost your company’s profile in local SERPs and attract more customers online.
If you want to improve leads and sales of your local business – contact us to have a customized strategy for your local SEO campaign.