Local SEO helps brick and mortar businesses show up in location-specific searches by optimizing for what people nearby are looking for. Google uses the user’s IP address on desktop and geolocation on mobile to serve results based on the user’s location, putting nearby businesses in front of people who may be searching for a hotel in London. Beyond standard results, local SEO also helps your website appear in other positions on the search engines, such as ads, images, and the One Box.
How does local SEO benefit a brick and mortar business?
In addition to the big picture, local SEO helps your brick and mortar business get noticed more easily in local search results. It makes your business more visible on Google and helps you attract more local customers. Google estimates that 88% of mobile users will contact a local business within 24 hours after searching for it, so a well-run local SEO campaign can deliver a boost in organic traffic and foot traffic.
What should a local SEO strategy include?
Using local SEO strategies is essential for every business. Make sure your website is easily searchable for local customers, because if your website is not found on Google, your competitors have already done that for you. To stand out from them, you must go beyond the basics and find opportunities that your rivals have not yet considered. Start with content creation. Local content does not necessarily need to be a blog. Consider creating resource guides, presentations, or technical specification sheets.
Why do reviews matter for local SEO?
Your website’s ranking in local search results is based on public perception and customer reviews. Customers read reviews and trust reviews for relevant information. Almost eighty percent of consumers read reviews online when looking for local businesses, 73% of consumers only look at reviews written within the last month, and 48% of them would not use a business rated lower than a four-star rating. Local search ranking relies on information from four major sources: a business’s website, social profiles, Yelp reviews, and customer reviews.
How do you get ahead of competitors in local search?
Many competitors do not claim their Google Business Profile, so claiming it is essential to get ahead. Once your website is listed on Google, it’s easy to access, and the local pack in local search results attracts customers in the vicinity. Make sure your content has relevant and quality backlinks, and monitor your competitors’ keywords and backlinks, citations, and review profiles. Tools like BrightLocal can help with that. Since Google is constantly changing its algorithms, local SEO is constantly evolving, so stay aware of these changes so that your business can react accordingly.
What is NAP and why does consistency matter?
NAP stands for name, address, phone number, and website URL. All of these should be consistent across the various platforms on which you’re active. These citations can also help your business gain social media followers. This type of SEO strategy can lead to increased sales and improved customer reviews, and it can also help you reach new market segments.
What results can local SEO deliver for small businesses?
As local search engine traffic continues to grow, local SEO helps local businesses achieve better results in the search results. It helps businesses get higher page rankings and reach their target audience. When consumers look for local businesses, they typically click on the first three listings on a Google map. They’re likely to buy from your business and make repeat purchases. Local SEO is a vital part of marketing for small businesses, and it’s crucial to have your site optimized with relevant local keywords and phrases.