With a brick-and-mortar business approach to advertising losing its allure, more and more local businesses have embraced online advertisements. And like with every new thing, online advertising does come with several challenges. One of those challenges is understanding why SEO is essential for local businesses. This article will take you through everything you need to learn about Local SEO. We will look at the definition and the actionable steps you need to take when learning about local SEO. Let’s dive in.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO, also known as Local search engine optimization, is a process that affects the visibility of a web page or website in a Search engine results page. These types of results are referred to as organic, natural, or earned results. Local SEO fully optimizes your online properties- Google Business listing, your website- enabling you to attract more organic traffic from searches users do in your local area.
According to a Social Media Today statistic, at least 46% of all online searches conducted using Google search for information about local businesses. By utilizing local SEO, you can easily promote your services and products to local customers.
What is the Difference between Local vs. Organic SEO?
One of the most significant differences between local SEO and organic SEO is that you’re optimizing your website or Google listing to get included in your local map pack. This pack displays local businesses close to the user’s location from the organic results.
Another difference is the purpose of local SEO. The primary goal of local SEO is to help a business rank higher than its local competitors. It also ensures that your business ranks higher in the map pack. Also, unlike organic or white label SEO, local SEO is cheaper.
Actionable Local SEO Tips
Once you understand the definition and its critical differences, the next step to learning about local SEO is by following these actionable tips. And they include:
1. Filling Out Your Local Listing Pages
The best and quickest way to have search engines create your business identity at the top of each organic search is by filling out your listing pages. This includes your Google My Business, Yahoo Local, and local listing pages.
Start by having a Google My Business Listing. This can help you have a business that shows up on the first page of organic search results. Start by adding your business to Google My Business. Once you create your profile, ensure that you fill out all the information and upload photos of your business.
Once your business listing is live, encourage your customers to write reviews about your service or product on Google My Business. Every positive Google review will help solidify your place as an authority in your specialty. In addition, by filling in every local listing page yourself, you learn more about local SEO.
2.Create a Blog
Publishing articles on your blog about your products/ services help your company become an essential part of the community. For instance, if you run a local flower shop, you can publish articles about flowers or anything that connects your business to the community. Also, blogs naturally attract organic traffic and get massive shares on social media platforms. This traffic is what helps grow any business.
3. Use of Local Keywords
For you to reach out to the right customers, it’s essential to have the right target keywords. When people search for any local business, they generally type the town and several other words related to the business. For instance, a New York dentist or dentist in New York. So ensure that your content and listing pages capture these keywords.
However, make sure you don’t overstuff your website. Try to scatter the keywords throughout your site, especially if they are long-tail keywords. Overstuffing can have a negative effect on the Google algorithm.
4.Test Your Website
Your website’s responsiveness plays a significant role in your local SEO strategy. Ensure that you test your website, especially on mobile platforms. Also, check how your website works on search engine platforms like Opera, Chrome, and Safari.
5. Embed a Map
Ensure that you embed a map in your Google listings. A map will give your customers a clear idea of the location of your business. A map will also tell Google more about your business location and improve your search results.
Learning about local SEO goes beyond knowing the basics; it also involves following through the entire process. Using the above tips, you get to learn more about Local SEO than just reading about it.