Online searching is one of the most common ways people look for specific information, whether it’s about word definitions, tourist hotspots in a certain location, or the best hotel in a particular state. Whether it’s on Google, Yahoo, or Bing, know that search results can massively impact your business in different ways.
In this article, Rohring Results shares some simple yet effective ways to optimize your business for local SEO and gain a deeper understanding of other variable factors in play.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO is a strategy for search engine optimization that allows local businesses to improve their website visibility in local search results. If you own or handle a physical business location, investing in local SEO is crucial because it will help you increase foot traffic in your physical store, which in turn can also boost your sales. If you don’t know how to get started, you’ve come to the right place.
7 Ways to Boost Your Local SEO
1. Set Up a Google My Business Account
Google My Business (GMB) is an online platform that helps businesses meet Google’s needs and appear on the local pack. Once you’ve created a GMB account, it will be easier for you to manage your online presence while increasing your online visibility in numerous listings.
In optimizing your GMB account, make sure to follow these steps:
- Verify your business profile and provide accurate and consistent information.
- Upload your business logo, add enticing photos, and include your operating hours, products or services, and payment methods.
- Encourage your clients to leave reviews online, and reply to the reviews sincerely.
- Publish optimized posts such as special offers, upcoming events, and new products using your GMB dashboard.
To know more about Google My Business growth strategies, read our full article here.
2. Encourage Reviews from Satisfied Customers
Having numerous reviews online is an excellent validation of the legitimacy your potential customers are usually looking for. But even though you’re doing your best to satisfy all customers, a few will always end up unhappy with your products or services. So what you can do is ask for reviews in person or send a message or an email to satisfied customers.
Negative reviews are not uncommon in any online platform, but you must address these reviews professionally so that your potential customers can see the sincerity of your company in the long run.
3. Optimize Content through Local Keyword Research
Performing a detailed local keyword search will provide you with relevant keywords for your business, as well as the current ranking competition for them. Fortunately, many online tools are available for effective keyword research, such as Google’s Keyword Planner or Semrush’s Keyword Overview Tool.
Once you have selected your local keywords, you can use these to optimize your URLs, meta descriptions, title tags, headers, and web content. Some of the most powerful forms of SEO content are how-to guides, useful tips, and infographics, provided that they contain local strategic keywords to help you rank.
4. Ensure Consistent NAP Citations Online
NAP stands for the following words: name, address, and phone number. These essential details must always be consistent and up-to-date to help your potential customers reach you faster, as well as prove your business’s legitimacy. Otherwise, they may opt for your competitors instead. NAPs are vital for local SEO because they increase your chances of ranking locally.
5. Utilize Online Directories
Websites like Yelp, Foursquare, Nextdoor, and Yellow Pages are some of the online directories you can take advantage of. Including your business information in these listings will increase your visibility and improve your local SEO. Your company details must consist of your business name, address, phone number, a detailed business description, and a backlink to your site. Keep in mind the consistency of your information online.
6. Build a Strong Social Media Presence
Choosing the right social media platform can open vast opportunities for your local business. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have powerful features that can benefit your business aside from helping you build your online presence. For example, many users geo-localize their posts on these platforms, therefore expanding your leads among their connections. But if you want to reach a wider audience, Facebook is your best choice because of its massive user base compared to Twitter and Instagram.
7. Optimize for Voice Search
Voice search is a rapidly advancing technology that provides excellent opportunities for local SEO. According to Google, 27% of the global online population uses this feature on mobile, while BrightLocal’s 2018 study states that 58% of US consumers used voice search to find local businesses in 2017. With its potential growth in the coming years, optimizing your content for voice search is ideal. Always provide valuable and straightforward content about your products and services as much as you can.
Need Help with Local SEO?
Local SEO is a vital part of SEO strategies for local businesses, but if it’s too much work for you, Rohring Results is here to help. With our years of experience, we are always on top of the constantly changing trends in SEO. Book a call with us now, and let us start strategizing.
