Local SEO should be considered an integral component of any successful marketing plan, providing businesses with an invaluable opportunity to connect with customers, generate leads and enhance their reputation online.
Contrary to traditional search algorithms, local searches take into account multiple factors when performing searches – these include the search query and keywords as well as reviews and citations from sources within a vicinity.
Keyword research
Keyword research is a key aspect of local SEO; this involves identifying and analyzing search terms used by potential customers to locate your products or services. There are a variety of free and paid tools for doing this such as Ubersuggest (created by Neil Patel), Answer the Public, and Keyword Shitter that can assist with this effort.
When conducting local keyword research, it’s essential that your focus on relevant search terms that fit with the location and business of your business. Doing this will prevent unnecessary competition between search terms that don’t make sense to your target audience and the terms you do use for research.
Once you’ve identified potential local search keywords, use them to optimize your website and Google Business Profile. Consider adding these phrases in blog posts, service pages or even on an “About Us” page; encourage reviews with signage or timely email follow up; this will build trust while expanding online visibility.
On-page optimization
No matter if your business operates a single storefront or multiple locations, local SEO is an indispensable element of its online marketing strategy. It helps connect with searchers in your locality, drive foot traffic and increase revenue – plus it builds trust and authority online!
On-page optimization is one of the cornerstones of local SEO. This means optimizing the content and structure of your website in terms of meta tags, page titles, keyword density, and relevance – including meta tags, page titles, keyword density and content relevancy. You should aim for your content to match any search queries being targeted with its keywords; including your NAP information on each page of your site as well as in directories where submitted; additionally add city names in alt text when editing image files.
Local citations
Local citations are an essential element of local SEO. Search engines use them to verify that your business exists and is located where it claims it is, while helping it rank higher in Google Maps and search results. Accurate citations will boost online visibility and bring in new customers.
Citations refers to any mention of your business on another website that provides accurate, consistent details about it – without linking back – without necessarily including links themselves. To increase local SEO, obtain citations from authoritative sources like directories, business listings and social media channels.
Citations is also key if your service or product falls within an industry niche, while local newspapers may also play an essential role. Data aggregators, chambers of commerce and local government websites should all be explored; guest posting opportunities on relevant sites might even help!
Social media
Local SEO should be part of any business’ marketing strategy that has physical locations. It can increase brand recognition and store traffic while simultaneously helping to expand customer leads and strengthen your company’s online reputation. But local SEO implementation requires taking a different approach than national campaigns.
Social media can be an extremely effective marketing tool that can bolster your local SEO efforts. If your business features an “About” page on its website, this can provide relevant information about it while building its brand presence in social media channels such as reviews. These reviews may help strengthen its position within local search results.
SEO remains an invaluable asset when it comes to local search, but social media presence can also play a pivotal role. This is particularly relevant if your GMB listing appears in Google’s Local Pack results.