When customers search for products online, Local SEO helps your business get noticed by those who are located nearby. It is a powerful tool to attract local traffic and increase visibility.
According to the latest statistics, 46% of all Google searches have local intent. Furthermore, a staggering statistic highlights that within one day of conducting a local search on their phones, about 76% visit related businesses.
As businesses increasingly vie for local attention, local SEO has become critical if you want to stay relevant.
In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of local SEO and techniques for engaging potential customers who conduct localized searches.
Local SEO – What is it?
The goal of this technique is to enhance the online presence of businesses, especially those that have brick-and-mortar establishments or cater primarily to local clientele. It plays a critical role in luring potential customers and engaging with target demographics effectively.
Local SEO facilitates companies by positioning their offerings before relevant audiences within their vicinity who are on the lookout for the products and services they provide. Here’s an example of a local search result on Google:
How Local SEO Works?
When someone performs a search, Google scans through its index to provide the best results for that person’s query.
What makes local SEO unique is that Google utilizes a different set of ranking factors to help you find the best match. The main factors used are:
- Presence of Google Business Listing
- Keywords used in Google Business profile
- Keywords used in online reviews
- Shares on social media
- Location that the person is searching from
- NAP citations and more
- Google Maps star ratings for business
After that, Google displays two types of results – the ‘local pack’ results (Google Maps and Business profiles) and organic results.
So, organic results are the ‘normal’ blue link search results that we see on Google. Below is an example:
A local pack also known as a map pack is a Google feature that shows the top local business listing along with a map. Here’s an example:
Effective Local SEO Tips to Implement
Furthermore, we have enlisted a few strategies related to local SEO that small businesses can implement:
#1. Optimize for Google My Business
To get started, create your business listing on Google My Business. Using this tool, you can connect with customers, list products and services, post business updates, and more.
Make sure you furnish precise business details, including the correct name, address, phone number (NAP), operational hours, and relevant categories.
Here’s what it looks like:
This will help customers find business information promptly and elevate online search rankings for your business.
#2. Get Local (NAP) Citations
NAP citation basically means the name, address, and phone number you mention online. They usually appear on social media pages and business directories. You can also include your NAP on the Contact Us page.
NAP citations are crucial as Google use them to check whether your business is real or not. The idea behind it is that – the more Google witnesses consistent NAP citations for your business, the more confident it becomes that your business is legitimate and trustworthy.
So, it becomes equally important for you for you to get consistent citations across many trusted websites.
#3. Encourage Customer Reviews
Reviews and testimonials are essential to build credibility and trust. They provide social proof, give potential buyers confidence in your business, and validate your expertise. Consumers nowadays read reviews before purchasing anything or spending their money. According to a 2021 report by PowerReviews, more than 99.9% of users read reviews when they shop online.
Also, Google recommends replying to reviews as it indicates that you value feedback from your customers. These reviews also help you to understand your customers better and make changes if required.
Here are a few tips to encourage online reviews:
- To reply to customer reviews, verify your business on Google.
- Create and share a link on Google Business Profile so that customers can leave reviews.
- Don’t offer or accept money in exchange for reviews. It’s against Google’s terms and policies.
#4. Leverage Local Backlinks
Getting backlinks from trusted and reputable local sources is vital in demonstrating your website’s credibility and expertise within a specified geographical location. Local news sites, community blogs, and business associations are reputable examples of such sources.
To secure these links, participate in local events or initiatives, work alongside neighboring businesses for mutual benefits, or offer valuable content that the locality’s websites could link. This method enhances both your local SEO as well as cultivates a sturdy regional network for your enterprise to advance upon.
#5. Perform a Local SEO Audit
SEO is an ongoing process. And you can’t put your foot down once you have the fundamentals down. It’s essential to perform a comprehensive audit to see where your website stands and what you need to do to achieve your goals. A local SEO audit may include the following:
- On-page SEO audit: Check if your website accommodates all the on-page SEO elements that help improve rankings.
- Google My Business audit: Check if all the information on Google My Business is accurate.
- Citation Audit: Ensure all the citations are consistent and accurate online.
- Competitor Analysis: Compare your website with that of your competitors and see what gaps need to be covered. Check if you match up with their content design and inbound links.
- Website Audit: Ensure that your website is performing well or not.
#6. Ensure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
As per Statista, 61% of Google searches take place on mobile devices. People use smartphones to check reviews, visit business directories, look for directions to your place, and more. Search engines like Google also give priority to websites that are optimized for mobile.
If you are looking to attract more users, it becomes really vital to have a responsive design and quick loading speed to provide an optimal user experience.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, successfully performing local SEO is paramount for the growth of your business. By following these steps, you can ensure that your enterprise flourishes and attains new heights. Furthermore, optimizing your website locally boosts its search engine rankings which significantly enhances customer attraction as well as increases organic traffic. If in need of such services, digital marketing agency is ready to assist without complexities or delays- don’t hesitate to reach out today!
