Local search engine optimization (SEO) optimizes your online presence to attract more local customers. It’s different from traditional SEO because it considers the searcher’s location and the companies or services they are searching for regularly. The benefits of local SEO outweigh the extra work you have to put in for targeted research.
Want to get off on the right local SEO foot? You’ll be surprised that it’s often not just about the keywords. Here are some quick tips for building an effective campaign:
1. Analyze Search Results
Analyze search engine results pages (SERPs) for your target keywords to see how the local results may appear to the user. This research will give you an idea of what you need to do to optimize your website for local search.
At the same time, assess your competitors and determine what keywords they are targeting and strategies they are using (it never hurts to keep an eye on the competition). You can also analyze backlinks to see what websites link to theirs. This analysis will give you a few ideas of where to start with your campaign to leverage the benefits of local SEO.
2. Invest in PPC Advertising
Once you have built a keyword list, start incorporating keywords into your website content, tags and descriptions. Develop a Google ads strategy to target these keywords and improve your website’s overall ranking in search results.
3. Create Relevant Content
Generate content that is relevant to your local audience. This content could be blog posts about local events or news, infographics about local data or even videos highlighting your business in action. The more specific, the better. Quality content is essential for any SEO campaign so ensure your content is well-researched and engaging.
4. Update Your Online Business Profile
Here’s an easy mistake you can’t make: ensure your name, address, and phone number are consistent across all platforms. This simple digital update is one of the most critical components of local SEO because you can’t convert if your audience can’t find you! Include your city or region in your titles, tags, and descriptions. This addition helps search engines recognize your location and link it to local search results.
You should also claim your Google Business Profile listing and ensure that your information is up-to-date. People will notice this listing when they search for your business, so make sure it looks good. Doing so helps to build backlinks and improves your visibility in search results.
5. Encourage Customer Reviews
Ask customers to leave reviews online. Positive reviews can improve your ranking in local search results. Monitor your consumer sentiment and respond positively to negative feedback. This approach shows potential clients you are interested in your reputation and willing to listen to feedback.
6. Use Social Media
Leverage social media to promote your content and engage with your local audience. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great platforms for connecting with potential customers in your area. If your intended audience is younger, consider tapping into TikTok, BeReal or Snapchat.
7. Develop Content Mobile-Friendly
Make sure your content is mobile-friendly if you want to see the benefits of local SEO. More people are looking for local businesses on their mobile devices, so your website must be responsive and easy to use on a smaller screen.
Keep in mind, with the rise of digital assistants like Siri and Alexa, more people are using voice search to find local businesses. Optimize your content for voice search by including long-tail keywords and natural language.
8. Monitor Your Progress
Keep track of key metrics throughout your campaign to see how it performs. You can use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track your keyword rankings, traffic and conversion rates.
9. Stay Involved in the Community
Never forget—one of the best ways to get the attention of local consumers is to become a part of their community! If possible, get involved in your target location. You can create blog content about specific events, participate in online forums or just list your business on local directories.
Tapping into the Benefits of Local SEO
Local SEO is slightly different from typical SEO campaigns, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. By following these tips, you can ensure that your business is visible to potential customers in your area. Just remember to be consistent, focus on the user experience and monitor your results so you can adjust your strategy as needed. Contact 10x digital today and talk to experienced professionals who can take your local SEO to the next level.