Local SEO is one of the main components of SEO. Do you know why? Suppose you have a shop. Who are your most potential customers? Of course, the people in the area. But how will they find out that you offer what they are looking for? This is where local SEO comes in. As 90% of people turn to Google for information in this digital age, Google will tell people about your shop. To give this information to Google, you need to optimize your digital presence with strategic Local SEO services.
I hope now you understand why it is the first and foremost thing to do for your business. In simple terms, Local SEO is a process of optimizing your digital presence to gain local customers for your business. Unlike other SEO, it can give immediate results and bring customers to your doorstep.
Local SEO Key Points:
Local SEO can benefit businesses that are looking to attract customers who are searching online. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- Local Search Volume is Massive:
Nearly half of all Google searches (46%) have local intent.
- Mobile Rules Local Search:
Over 80% of local mobile searches convert into in-store visits or phone calls
- Reviews and Online Presence Matter:
Positive online reviews are critical – 90% of brands say reviews impact local rankings
- Importance of Local SEO for businesses:
Local can help business owners boost their sales and Returns on Investment (ROI) by doing the following things:
- Increased Online Visibility
- Targeted Traffic
- Enhanced Trust and Credibility
5 Things To Do Local SEO Right
However, the problem is there are many people who have already done it, so how will they get a competitive advantage and rank higher than them? For ranking on the top local searches, I’ll tell you some of the key components of local SEO services:
1. Research About Local Keywords
Researching local keywords is crucial for effective local SEO. According to a study by HubSpot, 72% of people doing local searches visit a store within five miles. Using local-targeted keywords can enhance online visibility and bring local traffic to your business.
To appear in local search results, you need to look for keywords that your potential customers are searching for.
Best Practices for Local Keyword Research
- Identify Local Intent Keywords: Focus on keywords that include your city, neighborhood, or region.
- Use Keyword Research Tools: Tools like Keyword Planner, Moz, Semrush and Ahref can help you find relevant local keywords.
- Analyze Competitors: Explore the keywords your local competitors are ranking for.
- Incorporate Long-Tail Keywords: Long keywords are more specific and often less competitive, making it easier to rank.
- Monitor Search Trends: Stay updated with changing search trends to adapt your keyword strategy accordingly.
2. Optimize Your Website with Local SEO Parameters
To rank well in local searches, your website needs to meet specific local SEO criteria. BrightLocal states that businesses with consistent NAP information across their website and online directories can help you rank higher in local search results.
Best Practices for Local SEO Optimization
- Ensure NAP Consistency: Your business contact details should be same across your website and all online directories.
- Optimize Meta Tags: Include local keywords in title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags.
- Create Location-Specific Pages: In case of multiple locations, create separate pages for each, with localized content.
- Add a Local Schema Markup: This helps search engines understand your business’s location and services.
- Use Google Maps: Include a map with your business location on your contact page.
- Optimize for Mobile: Local searches are mostly conducted on mobile devices. So make your website mobile-friendly.
- Use Local Content: Publish blog posts and articles relevant to local events, news, and community activities.
3. Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for local SEO. According to a report by BrightLocal, 36% of SEOs believe it’s the most important ranking factor for the map pack. For regular organic results, 6% consider it important.
To appear in the map pack, you must have a Google Business Profile. Over time, the importance of these profiles has increased. Google also states that businesses with a complete profile have 70% more chances to get visits and 50% more likely to gain customers.
Best Practices for Google Business Profile
- Specify your business category: Be clear about what your business does.
- Set your business hours: Include holiday hours.
- Add your address: Necessary if you have a physical storefront.
- Set your service area: This is important if you deliver or visit customers.
- List products or services: Provide details of what you offer.
- Add photos: Visuals attract customers.
- Ask for reviews: Request satisfied customers to leave feedback.
4. NAP Citations
The full form of NAP is Name, Address, and Phone number. These citations appear in business directories and on social media. Some SEOs also mention NAPW, which includes your website.
While only 7% of SEOs consider citations the most important factor, they still matter. Citations help searchers find your business online, especially when they appear in directories that rank well for local queries.
Best Practices for NAP Citations
- List with big data aggregators: In the U.S., use Data Axle, Localeze, and Foursquare.
- Submit to major directories, Including Apple Maps, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Bing Places, and Facebook.
- Use local and industry-specific directories: Find these by checking where your competitors are listed.
- Keep information consistent: Ensure your name, address, and phone number are the same everywhere.
5. Reviews
Reviews are crucial for building trust and improving your local SEO. BrightLocal’s study shows that 17% of SEOs see reviews as the most important for map pack rankings, while 5% consider them important for regular rankings.
Best Practices for Reviews
- Remind customers to leave reviews: Share a review link from Google Business Manager.
- Focus on Google Business Profile: Prioritize getting reviews here.
- Respond to reviews: Communicate and Engage with customers to build trust.
- Avoid buying reviews: It’s against Google’s terms.
- Don’t filter reviews: Accept all feedback to remain compliant with Google’s policies.
- Build local citations: These often include links.
- Claim unlinked mentions: Find and turn these into links.
- Add Photos: Images and videos have 50% more effect on people than text. Adding real photos of the work environment, events, and behind-the-scenes things can give credibility to any business. And builds customers’ trust.
Tools for Local SEO
Tools like Google My Business, Moz Local, and SEMrush can help you manage and improve your local SEO. They provide insights into your local search performance and suggest areas for improvement.
Google Analytics is another effective tool for tracking progress and performance. Use it to monitor your local SEO efforts, analyze traffic sources, and understand user behavior to make data-driven decisions.
Future Trends in Local SEO
Voice search is gaining much popularity these days. And optimizing for voice search can give you an edge in local SEO. Use long-tail keywords and natural language queries. Artificial intelligence can transform SEO. AI can help you better understand search patterns and user behavior, leading to more effective local SEO strategies.
Conclusion
Understanding and optimizing these local SEO factors can benefit your business’s online presence. Focus on your Google Business Profile, maintain consistent NAP citations, gather and respond to reviews, and build quality links to improve your local search rankings. By following these best practices, you’ll attract more local customers and grow your business.
Also read our blog: Which Are The Best SEO Strategies?
