Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the best ways to increase your business’s presence online. It entails creating relevant, localized content aimed at local audiences such as events or news items; building profiles on popular review sites; and increasing brand recognition online.
Google uses prominence as another factor to rank local businesses on local search results pages. This refers to how well-known your company is, taking into account factors like directory listings and reviews online.
Keyword Research
Keyword research is an integral component of local SEO as it allows you to determine what words and phrases people are searching for in your locality. Furthermore, keyword research also reveals search intent – for instance when someone searches “Best restaurants in my city,” their intention may be simply for information; but when someone instead searches “Best pizza in my neighborhood”, their intention could be for making a purchase.
Keyword research for local search is distinct from traditional keyword research because it focuses on products and services available locally rather than globally, though many of the same on-site optimization factors apply; such as maintaining consistent NAP (name, address and phone number) across both your website and Google Business profile.
On-Page Optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential element of local business, as it ensures your website appears when people perform geographically labeled online searches in your region. A strong on-page strategy will help drive more customers towards your storefront.
Local SEO differs from regular SEO in that it focuses on optimizing your site for geo-specific keywords, which reduce competition and make ranking your website easier. Typically used with business names as they appear both organically and via local pack results within search engine result pages (SERPs). Furthermore, these geo-specific keywords could appear online directories, social media platforms or map apps – giving your local presence the edge!
Off-Page Optimization
Off-page optimization differs from traditional on-page SEO in that it entails activities that occur outside of a business website, including promotion via local content marketing, participation in community events or sponsorship opportunities, and building relationships between other businesses and yours.
Off-page SEO involves optimizing a company’s Google My Business page in terms of off-page SEO strategies, such as adding relevant products and services information as well as keeping information current while encouraging customers to leave reviews.
Avoid keyword stuffing as this can be seen by search engines as spammy and will result in listings being demoted. Instead, it is best to incorporate keywords naturally into your content while including them in title tags, meta descriptions and image alt tags so they stand out to searchers.
Link Building
Acing local search results on Google is key for any business, as it puts them in front of highly targeted audiences. According to research conducted by Google and Ipsos, four out of five consumers who conduct local searches visit the business within 24 hours of doing so.
Local SEO differs from organic search in that many of the same link-building techniques are applied, including targeting influential figures and guest posting on their websites; as well as targeting local publications like newspapers, forums and online communities for link building purposes.
It is generally best to avoid linking from websites with low domain authority and trust flow. Instead, search out high-quality local links from relevant sites and resources.
Social Media Marketing
Local SEO (search engine optimization) is a form of search engine optimization designed to increase a business’s chances of ranking higher in local search results. It is particularly effective for serving specific geographical areas such as restaurants, hotels and shops.
Social media is an invaluable asset when it comes to local SEO. It can be used to promote events, drive traffic and build brand recognition – not to mention driving visitors directly to a business’s website!
Moz, a marketing analytics software company, recently conducted a study that demonstrated how review signals are the number one determinant of local search and snack pack rankings. Therefore, businesses should prioritize gathering authentic reviews from their customers across platforms like Google, Facebook, Yelp, Thumbtack and Foursquare; additionally it is vitally important that websites include click-to-call buttons on them for ease of customer contact.