Local SEO is simply the optimization of your online properties so that you can be found easier in localized searches.
In fact, when you search without a geo-modifier, you can still get localized results. So local is technically everywhere and if you have a brick or mortar business, or service area-based business, this guide will ensure that you are showing up where you need to be.
Keep Reading to learn how local SEO can help your business grow.
Local SEO the biggest factor is Google My Business signals. This just means you’ll need to make sure your Google My Business listing is properly optimized for your target keywords. Local SEO is also influenced by your website, citation signals, reviews, and much more.
This is often referred to as a “blended algorithm”. MY BUSINESS OPTIMIZATION If you don’t already have a Google My Business you need to claim your page ASAP and optimize it!
The process isn’t too difficult. First, head to the My Business website and create your profile. Once you’re finished, you’ll be taken to a form that allows you to fill out your business information in detail. Remember to enter the same name, address, and phone number info displayed on your website. Ensuring correct category listing allows Google to let its customers know exactly what your business does, it’s important for displaying your business in the right search results.
Google allows you a variety of categories, so use the ones that would be most relevant to your business and remember, be as specific as possible.
OBTAINING NAP CITATIONS Once the GMB page is set up and optimized, you’ll want to get NAP citations. You need to get NAP citations on relevant directories. Be careful about your citations.
Every once in a while, a business can run in a pickle if it has changed something like its address or phone number. It’s time to do an audit to make sure all your citations are consistent across the board. Be sure to check for consistency every so often.
On-Page Optimization- There are some major things you’ll want to make sure you do in order to rank your website locally. First, set up your website structure and rank landing pages. If you serve multiple cities, you can create city-specific landing pages for each city. Next, make sure that all title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and content are optimized. They should include keywords and your location in the title tag and on the page. Finally, make sure your site works on mobile devices. You’ll want to use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to make sure your website is mobile optimized.
Link Building Approach Getting links to your website is as important with Local SEO as it is with any other type of SEO, and many of the same techniques work when dealing with local link building.
What distinguishes Local Link building from general link building is its specificity. You need to aim to place your links on locally targeted resource listings and blogs. We assume you know what valuable content is, and how to promote to influencers. Following these steps in conjunction with reputation management can do wonders for even the smallest business.
If you’re interested in learning how you can leverage the power of local SEO, make sure to get in touch today. And if you enjoyed this Article, be sure to share with your friends.
