If you are a small business looking to stand out in your niche and feel the need to have an edge over your giant online competitors, you will find a powerful friend in Local SEO. Statistics reveal that 46% of all Google searches are looking for information about local businesses or services.
Searches with local objectives are constantly on the rise, thanks to the smartphones in our hands. Four out of five consumers thus end up using search engines to find local information and the details from the search engine results page end up sending a massive 70% of the consumers to a physical store. Even if you are a small local business without a website, adopting a local SEO strategy and solutions can help you drive more traffic to your establishment by generating online leads. The merits of a local business do not ever get played down by google itself, rather it has distinct local ranking factors to ascertain whether or not your business is geographically relevant to a user performing a “near Me” search.
Contrary to popular belief that today’s consumer prefers online services, there is ample research that reveals that proximity to a local business holds considerable meaning to local consumers. 92 percent of people prefer traveling up to 20 minutes or less to get their daily essentials. So, if you want a local audience to find your business online, then adopting Local Seo as a marketing strategy would be the ideal plan of action.
Who needs Local SEO?
Any business that is local, and serves local customers or has a physical location as a local service provider or any business that serves a set local geographic area can benefit from Local SEO strategy and solutions.
Brick and mortar stores like restaurants, bars, groceries, laundromats, doctors, law offices, etc can have greater footfalls by investing in Local SEO as it ensures that these businesses are found on google maps and through other navigational apps.
Service providing businesses who can travel to their customers like plumbing services, construction services, Locksmiths, and other similar services can have higher conversions by
adopting local SEO services.
Thus, investing in local search engine optimization increases the chances of local businesses being found by local customers who are interested and disposed to avail of the services being offered.
What is Local SEO?
It is a specific set of search engine optimization measures and strategies mapped out to improve the search engine( read Google,) visibility for local businesses, particularly brick and mortar businesses with a physical location. By following Local SEO strategies and solutions local businesses can improve organic traffic when people close to their location perform a search or when a search includes a specific location. Thus, it is a great way to ensure that your business is discovered both online and offline.
What is the difference between Local SEO and Organic SEO?
Though the aim of both types of search engine optimization strategies is to improve the website’s rankings so that more customers can find and convert into paid consumers while doing an online search, there is an underlying local component attached to Local SEO services.
They cater to two distinct audiences, while organic SEO practices focus on improving a site’s visibility globally, Local SEO is based on products or services searches specific to a geographical area.
Benefits of Local SEO strategy and solutions:
Improved online visibility: The visibility of your business increases in google maps and local search results, as your listing can appear in 3 packs of search engine results pages. An online business citation where you list your NAP ( Name, Business, and Phone Number) helps the right people find your business at the right time. Thus, you can reach more customers.
More genuine ratings and reviews: Ratings and reviews push your listing above other listings and make your business look more trustworthy and reliable. Stats show that 87% of users read online reviews before making a purchase. With the help of local SEO, you can get more customer reviews, and responding to customer feedback helps you get a higher rank on the google search engine.
Staying ahead of the competition: assuming the competitors in your niche are a step ahead of you and are attracting all your potential customers even though the quality of your products or services exceeds theirs, it becomes imperative to be found by the right people at the right time. The idea is to show up on the first page of the local search engine results so that your business is visible to your potential customers. This is where Local SEO becomes a saving grace.
Attracting newcomers and returning customers: You not only gain more potential customers but your reviews and ratings and the quality of your services will have them returning to you. Besides, you can also attract people who are visiting your area when you invest in local SEO services.
Reduced advertising costs: High rankings due to local Seo enables your business to show on top when customers type a “near me” option while searching for a product or service online. This means more customers get to see your website or services, thereby saving you the money that you may otherwise have invested in other channels of advertising.
Local Seo Strategy
Now that we know what Local SEO means and what Local SEO services can do for your business, it becomes important to layout a well-structured Local SEO strategy. Here are a few steps that will help you boost your local search engine optimization strategy.
1. Google MyBusiness Optimization: This tool from Google allows you to create free business listings. Google My business is the most consequential part of your local search engine optimization strategy as google considers this listing while ranking businesses in organic local search and snack pack results. To ensure that your business meets all of the google requirements you will need to
Create and then verify a google my business page.
Use google posts, share business updates and new content regularly.
Encourage online reviews from your customers.
Make a practice of giving authentic and timely responses to customer reviews and feedback.
By replying to feedback and reviews, and thus proving your authenticity to Google, you may just rank in the top space on google’s local search page.
2. Keep consistent Name, Address, and Phone Number ( NAP) and Citations:
Make sure your citations and business NAP are consistent across all social media platforms and websites. Any discrepancies or duplicate listings should be resolved to improve your local search engine optimization ranking. Make sure all the information is included as crawlable HTML text on your site.
3. Mobile friendly usage: Research shows that 82% of converted customers use their mobile to do a “near me” search, thus it is essential to optimize your page for mobile viewing so that mobile users can easily find the information they need. There are statistics to show that 60% of all mobile users have contacted a business directly from the search results. Thus, adding a click to call button on the GMB listing and your website can be of great advantage.
4. Conduct a Local SEO audit:
How does the information on your GMB appear on the Search Engine Results Page?
Is your site easily crawlable?
Are all your citations correct in the business directories?
How is your website performing compared to your competitors' websites?
Your website’s overall performance.
5. Create Local Content: You must create content with local news and industry news in order to attract the attention of the local community. The more you participate in the local community, the more likely you are to receive digital recognition and PR. Be the local authority for your niche to stand out as an impactful local business.
Now that we are up to date with the Local SEO checklist, implementing these measures will ensure that you always stay on top of the local SEO game. With the ever-changing SEO algorithms and new SERP features, acquiring the right local Seo services and expertise plays an important role in keeping you ahead of all competition and from committing any digital faux pas. We at Praavah Consulting are there to help you make the most of local SEO strategy and solutions to enhance your online visibility in local searches and grow your business to new heights.
Improve your Local SEO today with us.
For any other additional information:
E-mail: pritesh@pravaahconsulting.com