Local SEO plays a massive role in your business’ success. With the increase in mobile usage and mobility in general, local searches have become more common than ever. If your business shows up in the first page when users conduct local searches, you’ll get much higher conversions, and it will have a direct impact on your results.
What’s local SEO?
Local SEO is the best way to increase your business’ visibility within a specific area. Local searches are the most common type of search within search engines, which means most users go on Google, for example, in search of a product or service near their location.
The search engines gather information from directories, citations, location pages, local content and proprietary tools, such as Google My Business, amongst other things. If someone types in “architect in New York,” the search engine will crawl through websites in search for whatever best meets the criteria.
Through local SEO (search engine optimization), you can make sure your business shows up whenever a user types in your service and your location in the search box. Without it, your company doesn’t show up in local searches, and you end up leaving a lot of money on the table.
Why is local SEO so important?
Whether you’re in bricks and mortar with physical locations, like cliniques, stores, and restaurants, or you provide a service to a particular area, such as cleaning companies or contractors, local SEO is crucial for your business’ success.
Local searches are popular across all devices
As time goes by, desktop and mobile users turn more and more to the internet to find local businesses. Through apps and search engines, users tend to look for local shops to:
- Find out their locations
- Visit the business or store
- Get a phone number to call
- Go through reviews and learn more about the business
Local search marketing opportunity
With so many local searches coming through search engines each day, local SEO is a tremendous opportunity to grow your business and reach new customers. What’s interesting is that many of the searches aren’t directed at one particular brand or company. Users are looking for a service or product genuinely opened for suggestions.
There’s no better time to show up than when potential customers search for your product or service. Local SEO tactics can help you get there.
Conversion rates on local searches
Getting good ranking on local searches has higher conversion rates than most marketing strategies. Users are actively searching for what they need with intent to purchase. If they find what they need, they’ll act on it.
Local SEO – How to optimize your website and improve your business ranking?
Local SEO tactics and optimization is an extensive topic, within a world of its own. Here are some tips to get you started with your local SEO optimization:
Google My Business
The first thing you should do is claim your business place on Google My Business. It’s a free service that Google provides, essential for your local SEO.
Online directories and citations
Having your business described accurately in websites like Yelp, Citysearch, Foursquare, among others, can help you improve your position on local searches.
Reviews and Ratings
Encourage customers to leave reviews and to rate your business. Each feedback plays a massive role in your ranking. Take the opportunity to thank the customer and reinforce your location.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local SEO and SEO in general. Stay tuned for more SEO tactics and tips.