Local SEO is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to compete with large brands online, and 87.3 percent of US internet users are located in one region. Local web users are also more likely to choose a nearby business when they have an immediate need. Below is a breakdown of the tactics that make a website more relevant for local searches.
Why does Google My Business matter for local SEO?
Google My Business is one of the most important pieces of local SEO. Google prioritizes local listings when users type in a location, so an inconsistent business address can cause a website to get passed up in the results. Because mobile users typically search for local businesses on their phones, the website itself also needs to be mobile-friendly.
What sources affect local search rankings?
Local search rankings are based on the information a business provides across multiple websites. Social media profiles often appear near the top of organic results, and a person looking for a local business may go straight to its profile on Yelp or Facebook. Search engines use information from at least four sources to determine local search rankings.
How does mobile tie into local SEO?
Mobile is an essential part of local search behavior. Nearly half of mobile searches result in a purchase, and placing a business in front of a mobile user’s location increases the chances of a conversion. A site that is not mobile-friendly is unlikely to rank high in local results, so integrating mobile into local SEO is how businesses reach local consumers without sacrificing their desktop site.
What information should a local business keep consistent?
Boosting local SEO starts with optimizing a website’s information online. Local businesses must provide a consistent NAPU, which tells the search engines what the business does and where it is located. A mobile-friendly presence also gives potential customers the chance to read reviews from people who have already visited the business. The more local search terms targeted, the better.
How does link building fit into local SEO?
Link building is the most important part of local SEO and also the most expensive. Getting everything else right can reduce the need for it, but local link building usually requires joining local industry associations, which offer backlinks to the site. When getting started with local SEO, the business’s city, state, and even neighborhood should be included in the strategy.
What do the bottom tiers of the SEO pyramid cover?
The three bottom tiers of the SEO pyramid represent the core tasks of a typical local SEO campaign. To stand out, a business has to go beyond the basics and take advantage of areas competitors haven’t considered yet.
How can a small business build a stronger local presence?
Using local SEO on a website is an effective way to boost a business. The site ranks higher in local searches, and local audiences begin to recognize the brand. Whether the company is a small local business or a large corporation with multiple locations, local SEO provides a competitive advantage.
Do industry directories help with local SEO?
One of the best ways to increase online presence in local searches is to build presence on industry-related directories. Local directories and blogs increase a website’s link authority and citation presence in local searches. Adding links to these sites also boosts the local link profile and increases its uniqueness. Google prohibits excessive link exchanges, so enlisting the help of local businesses is the recommended path.
FAQ
What is the single most important element of local SEO?
Google My Business. Google prioritizes local listings when users type in a location, and an inconsistent business address can cause a site to be passed up in the results.
How many sources do search engines use for local rankings?
Search engines use information from at least four sources when determining local search rankings, including business profiles on sites like Yelp and Facebook.
Why does link building matter in local SEO?
Link building is the most important and most expensive part of local SEO. Joining local industry associations is a common way to earn backlinks, and including the city, state, and neighborhood in the strategy strengthens results.