When running a small business, your local community represents your lifeline, main profit source, and target audience. Even more importantly, your community embodies your greatest opportunity to grow your business!
But, how can you tap into your local users’ spending power and loyalty? That’s where local SEO can become your most powerful tool! Here’s what you need to know to get started!
What is Local SEO? Let’s Cover the Basics
Today, Google searches for local information and services account for nearly 50% of the total volume of user queries. Of these, over 80% of local searches conducted on mobile devices convert into sales!
Local SEO is the marketing process that helps your brand appear at the top of the search engine result page or Google’s 3-pack for any relevant local search. Thanks to Local Search Engine Optimization, you can grow your website’s organic traffic and expand your customer base.
But, even more importantly, Local SEO allows your business to appear in front of the eyes of prospective customers who are already looking for your services in your area!
Should You Invest in Local SEO? Yes – Here’s Why
While Local SEO is a vital marketing strategy for all brick-and-mortar enterprises, all businesses can benefit from it. For example, Local SEO best practices should be part of all eCommerce SEO strategies. At the same time, tools like Google My Business and directory citations can help private sellers without a website.
Some of the benefits of investing in Local SEO include:
- Improved business visibility on a local level
- Secure a position in Google’s local 3-pack, which receives over 30% of local search clicks.
- Improved conversion rate
- Reduced advertising costs
- Improved long-term search engine ranking
Ultimately, this strategy is a must-have for any business looking to cut through the competition, regardless of specific long-term goals, niche, or business type.
3 Ways To Succeed at Local SEO
When choosing the best results for any local search, search engines like Google seek specific signals that determine a website’s relevance, distance from the user, and prominence. So, if you are looking to bypass the competition and ensure that your business appears first in local searches, you should:
Hire an SEO Specialist in Your Area, e.g. Sydney, Australia
The specific challenges and benefits of Local SEO vary by location and business niche. That is why the most important step that you can take is to partner with a local SEO expert.
For example, if you are looking to establish a local business in New South Wales’s capital city, you should look no further than a consultant that provides SEO services in Sydney.
An expert with local knowledge can help you identify your competitors, build relevant backlinks (such as through local newspapers and magazines), and create content that resonates with your local community.
Make Use Of The Right Tools, e.g. Google My Business
There is a range of Local SEO tools you can deploy to start climbing rankings and secure your spot in Google’s Local Pack. These include:
- An optimized Google My Business profile
- Up-to-date and consistent NAP (Name, Address, and Phone number) information
- Social media platforms
- Online directories and citations
- On-page signals (i.e.: services you offer and keywords)
- Online reviews
Create Content That is Relevant To Your Local Audience
Localized content is essential to engage with your audience – both on your website and social media pages. What’s more, using localized tags and meta titles can help you establish more signals for Google’s crawlers to pick up and assess.
Unsure about what your content strategy should be? A social media manager or local SEO specialist can help you understand the type of information and media your audience is more likely to engage with.
Build a Genuine Community
One of the most important aspects of Local SEO is real-life community engagement. By networking with competitors, local charities, and complementary businesses to yours, your local community can become your competitive advantage and help you build a solid reputation. Make sure to carry out your Local SEO efforts both digitally and in your daily life!
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