To rank higher in search engines with SEO local, focus on three basics: point your title tags directly at your content, include your location and service in those tags, and add structured schema for both. Google’s ranking depends heavily on these signals, and applying them is the fastest way to improve your local visibility.
Why title tags and structured data matter for local rankings
Google pays close attention to the heading tags on your website. Your title tag should point directly to the content of the page. If you can include your location and service in the title, you signal to search engines that your business is a reputable local establishment, which improves visibility and ranking.
Create structured data (also called schema) about your business, including its location. This lets Google determine where your customers are and serve the most relevant results. The local lander recommends using both location and service schema.
How do you build content around local SEO?
The main formula for SEO local involves using location and service terms. When your content contains these search terms, it boosts your position in the local SERP. Use them in blogs, social posts, and pillar content. For example, your “About Us” page can mention how it serves the town, while your blog entries may talk about the “Best Honda Deals in Northwestern Montana.” This is an example of a working local SEO strategy.
Your content must be relevant to the area you are targeting. If it does not match, search engines will ignore the page. Keep your N.A.P. (name, address, phone) consistent across the web, and keep the phone number consistent as well. Mismatched information gets your content filtered out of local searches.
What links and reviews should you pursue?
A local SEO strategy should include link building. A few quality links will make your website more relevant to your targeted audience. Links from social media sites also boost rankings. Reach out to other websites, and write about local events and other local businesses in your area. The Better Business Bureau, newspapers, and sponsorship opportunities are good sources for SEO local links.
Google is also collecting reviews from consumer directories and social media. Listed reviews will help Google find your business more easily and build online credibility, which increases sales.
How do you write copy that ranks locally?
Your website copy includes every piece of written content on your site. New customers will likely be searching for a local service or product when they type into the search box, so include local keywords regularly. Just remember that keyword stuffing is not allowed; Google doesn’t like it.
Avoid boring and generic content. Don’t copy Wikipedia content, because rewriting it is easy to detect and results in a hidden ranking. If your site has no original content, it won’t rank and will be invisible to Google. Make it interesting and relevant to the people searching for your products and services.
How does Google match local searchers to your business?
Google can determine where the customer is located and display results that are closest to that location. If the searcher doesn’t share location, the first result shown in the SERP is still the closest business. Aim to appear on the first page so you capture more local traffic.
How do you measure the effect of local SEO?
Track the keywords that matter most in your area. The most popular local keywords tend to have high search volume, and optimizing for them is essential. Social media is one of the best tools for this; for example, you can use Facebook to get your website listed on the search engine.
Related coverage
- How to Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
- How Local Search Engine Optimization Can Increase Your Visibility and Generate More Leads