Local SEO is crucial if you want your website to be visible to local customers. Without it, your Charlotte-based business will likely struggle to generate traffic that turns into sales and leads. With the right SEO optimization techniques, your website can rank well for a variety of keywords, get ahead of competitors, and attract new customers.
How Google ranks local businesses
Google ranks local businesses using several signals, including the location of a consumer’s desktop or mobile device. Including a town or region prominently in your page title, page description, and business address will improve your rankings. Be sure to include a ZIP code for your business as well.
The shift from desktop to mobile search behavior has moved local search queries to be location-based, and Google has adapted its ranking algorithms to prioritize the mobile versions of sites rather than desktop versions. Your company will have the best chance of appearing in local search results as more consumers use mobile devices to conduct searches.
Why local SEO matters for traffic and conversions
Beyond rankings, local SEO helps you build a positive public profile. If local consumers can’t find the information they need on your site, they will move on to a competitor’s website. A stronger local presence generates more traffic and increases conversion rates.
Build out your Google My Business profile
Your GMB profile lets you manage and respond to customer reviews. Google uses the information in your profile to determine your company’s relevance, and a more complete profile makes it more likely you will show up in relevant searches. Effective GMB management improves your visibility to both top and middle-of-funnel users.
Use customer reviews to strengthen local SEO
Encourage customers to write reviews about your products or services. A large number of positive reviews supports local SEO because reviews signal credibility, build trust and confidence among customers, and show that the business cares about its customers. Google views businesses with strong review profiles more favorably.
Go beyond the basics to beat competitors
These are fundamental tasks in any local SEO campaign, and your competition is likely already executing them. Go beyond these basic SEO tactics and find opportunities your competitors have not pursued. With a little research, you can rank well on local search results.
Compete with larger companies in your area
Local SEO lets a local business compete with larger companies and become more visible in local searches. A Harrisburg business, for example, would want to be listed for searches like “auto body shops” so nearby customers can visit the shop. Local SEO helps you reach customers in your service area and attract new ones.
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