SEO, or search engine optimization, is one of the most important strategies in the world of digital marketing. Although it is a tedious process, it is well worth the effort. The online and digital world is changing every single day, as should your SEO strategies. Local SEO is one part of the main campaign that is of utmost importance.
WHAT IS LOCAL SEO?
Local SEO is just like general SEO, but it focuses more on targeted local areas. Essentially, the goal is to have your website shown to customers that are in your local area, connecting with them at the moment that they need your products or services.
Now that we know what local SEO is, why is it important and why should you be focusing on it? Easy! With the internet access as easy as it is to acquire today, people are generally using search engines to find local businesses for goods and services now more than ever. They want to make a quick call or easily find your website and get their problem solved as soon as possible. Therefore, local SEO is the way to go for your business to be noticed by local customers! Those local customers are more likely to be loyal and returning, as they are in your area.
UNDERSTANDING LOCAL SEO
Now, let’s dive further. Again, local SEO is a strategic process that focuses more on businesses that are in the local area. It is all about face-to-face visibility.
Local SEO works by sending out the right signals in search engines to help your business pop up for customers in your local area. Usually, customers are more inclined to choose your business if one: you are close to them and two: you are one of the first ones that pop up when they conduct their search.
Local SEO strategies are all about the use of local keywords. You want to specify the main city and target area you serve, to establish your presence in that city. Not to mention how you want to let search engines know you do in fact serve this target area.
A powerful tool that can be used to help your local SEO journey is your Google Business Profile — formally, Google My Business. This tool allows businesses to be able to manage their digital presence across Google, including Google Maps.
Verifying this information, and your business’ location will help your customers find you, locally. Make sure to fill out your business profile completely, and provide all the accurate and helpful information you can about your business.
BENEFITS OF LOCAL SEO
Local SEO is extremely valuable to businesses in today’s digital world. Whether you understand it or not, having your website show up to customers in your local area is more beneficial than anything. Speaking from that, here are some of the key benefits of local SEO:
- Increased Visibility in Local Search Results
- The more you use local SEO strategies in your business, the more you will appear in local search results. When someone is searching for something, more often than not they will choose the location closest to them. If your business, product, or service is relevant to them, it is extremely important to put that in consideration when strategizing with your SEO work.
- Attracting Local Customers
- Attracting customers locally should be the main goal with local SEO efforts. When a search is local, it usually means the want is high. People who are locally searching for a service or a product aren’t browsing, they are ready for said service or product as soon as they can get it. So, if your business shows up for these local searches, you are attracting potential local customers.
- Standing Out From Competitors
- When it comes to SEO efforts, standing out from competitors is a top priority. On the other hand, not every business takes advantage of local SEO. So, your business can! Use local SEO strategies to benefit your business and make yourself stand out from others, regardless of your services. Local SEO boosts your visibility and the way you are seen to the right people at the right time.
WHY LOCAL SEO IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
- The number of “near me” searches
- The importance of mobile optimization in Local SEO
- The quick need for services or products now
As life continuously moves more digital, people are always looking for the most convenient option. People are busy! That means, they want a product or service that they can get as soon as possible without having to wait. Adding “near me” into a search engine is more common than ever. So, take advantage of this ever-changing strategy and make sure that your business will show up for these local searches using local SEO.
Along with life moving more digitally, it means smartphones are becoming the product that people search on the go. Along with wanting to find information fast, potential customers also want things local. What does that mean? Your website should be optimized to work perfectly for mobile devices. That will only give you more potential customers in the future and show that you truly care about your products or services.
As you have learned in this blog so far, local SEO is essential for the success of your website, locally. If you want to appear to customers that want a product or service right now, utilizing local SEO is the solution.
KEY LOCAL SEO STRATEGIES
Now that we have gone over the main importance of local SEO, here are some strategies that your business can utilize:
- Optimizing Google My Business Profile
- Having an up to date Google My Business profile is one of the best tools to have in your back pocket when it comes to local SEO. Google My Business allows any business to control how it appears in search results and on Google Maps. By verifying your information with a business description with keywords, proper hours, and categorizing the kind of business it is, it can help with visibility.
- Collecting and Managing All Online Reviews
- Having reviews for your business is always ideal, even though some may be a little on the negative side. Customers usually always read reviews (at least look for them) before considering a business. If you are a business owner, it is always a good idea to encourage your customers to leave Google reviews and then reply to each and every one, even negative ones. The way that negative reviews are handled professionally and in a more positive light shows future customers that you truly care about those that use your products or services.
- Local Keyword Optimization
- As with normal SEO strategies, keyword optimization is a key aspect. It all has to do with research of keywords that work for your specific business, but in this case, locally. All keyword research should be done strategically, for your business’ benefit, so they match with what customers are looking for.
- Importance of Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
- If your name, address, and phone number are not the same throughout Google searches, social media platforms, or anywhere else what does that mean for your customers? They are left confused as to which one is the correct one, which would most likely mean that they will choose elsewhere. The same goes for search engines. Don’t leave them confused and ensure your digital foundation is taken care of.
So, now that we have found out how important local SEO can be for your business, why not use it for yourself? If you are wanting to reach customers in your local area, look no further than utilizing local SEO strategies. In today’s digital age, standing out from the competition is essential for success and doing so in search engine results can be one of the easiest platforms to use. Don’t miss this easy opportunity! Take the time to learn and use local SEO strategies today. At VIE Media, we specialize SEO strategies to deliver results. Contact us so we can help you!