Local Search Engine Optimization brings your small fish back into a more manageable size pool by targeting local markets with your SEO efforts. By targeting audiences in your geographical location with your services, your business will grow.
Moz has identified NAP consistency and review signals as two of the key determinants for local search and snack pack rankings, so be sure to create an online presence via consumer directories and social media platforms.
Keyword Research
Keyword research is an integral component of local SEO and can help optimize your website for local searches. By identifying relevant keywords to your business, keyword research allows you to increase online visibility and gain new customers.
In conducting local keyword research, it’s crucial to take search intent into account. Consumer search terms vary based on their motivation for purchasing something and willingness to travel – this means it can make or break local keyword research results.
To select relevant keywords, start by considering what products and services your offer and brainstorming words that describe them. Next, use online tools like Ubersuggest and Google Keyword Planner to see how many people search for each term; additionally it might help to look at your competitors’ websites and SERPs for inspiration as well as Craigslist to see what people are searching for related to your industry – this could provide additional keyword ideas!
On-Page Optimization
Local SEO differs from traditional SEO in that it specifically targets searches with geographic intent. These searches tend to be conducted by those searching for products or services available in their region; examples might include looking up restaurants, stores or service providers such as an independent pet shop, personal trainer or lawyer.
Google takes several factors into account when ranking businesses for local search, including relevance, proximity and prominence. Relevance measures the degree to which a website’s content matches a search query; proximity refers to how close searchers are from the business; and prominence measures its popularity and well-knownness.
Content updates on websites must include locally relevant keywords that can increase their presence in search engine result pages (SERPs). Furthermore, NAP (Name, Address and Phone number) citations can help enhance local SERP visibility and should also be consistent across the site.
Local Citations
Citations is one of the key components of local SEO, telling Google that your business is an authorized and verified entity. You can start by adding your business information to major directories like Yelp, Apple Maps and Yellowpages; only add high quality citations that are pertinent and high in quality; also make sure to monitor them frequently so they stay accurate and up-to-date.
An essential aspect of local search engine optimization strategy is managing your Google My Business profile. This enables you to claim and verify information, optimize company pages, respond to reviews and more.
Social Media
Though not as significant, local search marketers should still have the ability to measure and track the success of their campaigns by tracking metrics like click-through rates, actions on GMB profiles and views of photos and posts.
Maintaining a positive public profile is an integral element of local SEO. You can do this by taking steps such as using Google Posts (to advertise special offers and events) as well as actively responding to customer queries and keeping third-party directories up-to-date.
Some businesses attempt to game the system by creating duplicate listings with duplicate or incorrect data, which is why it’s essential that your NAP (Name, Address and Phone Number) remains consistent across platforms and sites – this helps build trust with search engines and improves your ranking as well as safeguarding against competitors attempting to game the system.