Would you like to grow your business online and attract more customers? We will show you how. In this blog, we will explain what local SEO is, why you need it, and give you 5 ways you can use it to generate leads and sales for your business.
What is local SEO and why do I need it?
Local SEO (Local Search Engine Optimisation) improves your business’s online visibility by helping you promote your products or services to potential customers in the local area, as and when they are looking for them.
By utilising local SEO strategies (we will discuss these in more detail below), your business will appear as one of the most relevant local results to customers searching for your product or service in your area. For example: hair salon in Staffordshire, emergency locksmith in Birmingham, Indian restaurant in Lichfield.
If your business has a physical location or you serve a geographical area, no matter how big or small, local SEO will enable you to capitalise on these local searches that have more purchase intent behind them.
Before we get started…
Make sure your website is responsive, error free and there are no underlying technical issues on the site.
Would you like a free report on the technical aspects of your website, and advice on the areas that need improvement to ensure your site is fully optimised for search engines?
Click here for your FREE website audit.
Google My Business
Google My Business is one of the most important parts of local SEO, and the good news is that it’s totally free and easy-to-use.
Claiming and optimising your Google My Business listing will drastically improve your local search rankings.
The information you provide in your business profile will be fed to the knowledge panel, the local pack and Google Map search results, so the more detailed and up-to-date your Google My Business profile is, the more likely you are to appear in front of prospective customers.
For a step-by-step guide to set up your Google My Business account, click here.
Local Keywords
Local keywords are keywords that contain geographical phrases to help people find your business online.
Start by conducting local keyword research and look at the search volumes for each. Review the branded keywords your competitors are ranking for, then target these so that your business will appear above theirs.
You want to identify and include local keywords that combine your products or services with your location. The overall objective is to identify commonly used phrases that potential customers will be searching for. By including them in your content, you will rank higher in Google for those searching for your particular product or service.
It’s important not to become too excited and include lots of different keywords for the sake of it – this is known as keyword stuffing, and Google will penalise you for this.
Local Content
Google loves great content, as do your customers. It’s important that you regularly update and share relevant content on your website, your blog and across your social channels.
If you serve specific geographical areas, you may want to look at creating location landing pages within your website and include local keywords and citations within the in-page copy.
Once these landing pages are implemented, you will want to direct your Google My Business pages to these, to get the most benefit from them.
90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting or buying from a business.
Not only will positive reviews help build credibility and the reputation of your business, they will also improve your search listings.
Customer feedback means fresh content, which Google rewards. It also increases the number of keywords you can rank for.
By replying to these reviews, you show your business cares about its customers, plus it increases interaction, which Google loves.
If Google sees positive reviews, it will trust your business and recommend you in search. At the end of the day, Google wants its users to be satisfied with the results of their search.
Backlinks from authoritative websites help search engines recognise your site as a trusted source of information, thus boosting your rankings. They also increase your chances of appearing in the local pack on Google.
Links from local newspapers, magazines, blogs, newsletters, directories and social posts can all help to improve your online visibility.
So, how do you get these links? By building your reputation as a trusted source, by regularly posting quality content, hosting events, building relationships with organisations, and utilising local business directories.
Do this and you will build brand awareness and drive relevant traffic to your website, increasing your opportunities to sell.
So, there you have it. There’s 5 ways to use local SEO to gain more customers in your area.
Local SEO is a fundamental part of your overall SEO strategy to attract, engage, convince and convert customers.
If you would like to drive more prospects to your website to increase your sales, contact The Marketing People today on 01543 495752.
