Marketing That Hits Close to Home: The Power of Local SEO Strategies

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Local SEO Strategies

With billions of Google searches daily, there is an excellent chance someone is searching for your business. Approximately 46% of Google searches are local. These searchers are interested in local businesses in their area, their products, and when they are open. 

Local SEO strategies can help your business attract search traffic from local Google users. Local SEO optimizes your website to rank higher in local search results. The higher your website ranks, the more likely users will see it and click. 

Read on to learn about the power of local optimization and how it can benefit your business. 

SEO vs. Local SEO

Search engine optimization leverages strategies so your website ranks higher in search results. Local SEO has the same goal but incorporates different strategies. The difference is that SEO targets a more national or global audience while local SEO focuses on customers in your area. 

How to Optimize Your Local SEO

Google and other search engines use algorithms to rank websites on the search engine results page. They use ranking factors to determine the best information for users. Here are some strategies to make your website more appealing to search engines and local users. 

Create Your Google My Business Listing

Google My Business is a tool provided by Google that creates a listing for your local business. You must claim your business and fill out all the information accurately while incorporating keywords. Make sure your business name, address, website, and contact details are the same across the web. 

This information will help Google show your business to users. 

Google Maps is an essential way for people to find and learn about local businesses. Your Google Business profile helps create your map ranking. Check out this post to help your business rank on Google Maps. 

Identify and Incorporate Local Keywords

Like organic SEO, your business will need to conduct keyword research to find appropriate keywords to rank for. Focus on relevant keywords that include local language like “near me” or your city or town. Then, use those keywords in your content, headings, and tags so Google recognizes that those are words you want to rank for.  

Manage Your Online Reputation 

The number of reviews your business has and if those reviews are positive is an important ranking factor. Google is more likely to show your business listing if you are ranked highly. Positive reviews also increase the chances users will buy from your business. 

Your business should have a strategy for acquiring positive online reviews, even if you just ask your customers after a sale. Be sure to provide excellent service and meet customers’ expectations since this will encourage them to leave a review. But, it’s likely not all of your reviews will be positive, so be active with your community and address concerns in negative reviews. 

Build Backlinks

Backlinking is where another website links to your website or content. If your website is linked to other reputable websites, it will boost your website rank. One way to leverage this for local SEO is to submit your business listing on local directories that link to your website. 

Benefits of Local SEO Strategies

Since local SEO helps your site rank higher, it boosts your brand awareness and site traffic. This traffic will also be higher quality search traffic since users will be in your area. 

Local SEO can also cut down on your advertising costs. While you have to spend time creating your profile and optimizing your website, local SEO doesn’t cost as much as traditional or paid ads. Leads will also be more consistent with local SEO so that you can see a better return on investment. 

Implement a Local SEO Strategy Today

Optimizing your website for local searchers is a must for businesses to compete in today’s market. You can take advantage of local searches by utilizing your Google Business account, including local keywords, and leveraging your online reputation. These local SEO strategies can increase your site traffic and generate business growth. 

Do you want to learn more about local SEO? Check out our website for more digital marketing tips.