What is SEO Local? It is the process of optimizing a local web site or page for higher search results from a search engine known as Google. Local search engine optimization is unlike SEO in which the focus is on an international audience. Local search, on the other hand, is more closely tied to the specific needs of the local consumers, not just a global audience.
The basic function of this type of optimization is to provide higher visibility to a local business by increasing its search results on localized keywords. These keywords are the ones associated with the particular location where the business operates. They can be city names, state names, place names, or even just common phrases. The importance of these local keywords is that they target the right audience, those within a certain geographical location, who are most likely to use a search engine to find their needs.
In simple terms, SEO Local focuses on increasing traffic to a site or page through the use of specific keywords associated with a specific location. This is the very basis of online marketing, because a company’s brand name or the product will be displayed for all users who type in the appropriate keywords. When this happens, more people will be exposed to the company’s page and will be potentially interested in what the company has to offer. The pages will then show up higher in organic search results, resulting in more traffic and potential customers. More traffic translates to more sales, more customers, and all of this leads to success.
In order for SEO Local to work, there are several things that need to be done. The content on the website needs to be optimized properly for a local audience, with specific vocabulary and phrasing that are specific to that region. A website address or domain name that is localized should be used when possible, especially when ranking high on search engines. Keywords and key phrases should also be used liberally throughout the content and links on the pages. This ensures visitors from that region know where to look and can quickly find the products or services on the site.
For SEO Local to really takes hold, many changes to the website itself are required. Currently, most pages on the site are broken down by country and region, which make sorting through results much more cumbersome. Because of this, many business owners opt for a directory-style site where all local listings are combined into one place. Other companies choose to implement their own regional listings, but they must submit articles to directories, and then manually submit the articles to search engines. Both methods are problematic, because the quality of local results is often suspect.
The solution to these problems is to use a professional SEO company that can create a customized local SEO campaign. This campaign includes creating a site map, directory submissions, and using other proven methods for improving local search results. For instance, pages can be organized by state and city, allowing customers in those areas to quickly find what they’re looking for. Links can be verified before submitting to ensure visitors are getting exactly what they’re looking for. And because professionals have studied the marketing trends and working with businesses in the area, they can ensure links will get the best possible results.
With a professional SEO Local campaign, it’s easy to get your business noticed by more customers. Visitors won’t have to do a lot to find you, and since you’ll be featured on the search results page quicker, your click-through rate will go up. This can have a significant impact on your bottom line. No longer will you receive traffic from just local shoppers, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your customer base far beyond the immediate region you’re in. This gives you an advantage over competitors and makes it much easier to make money off of those sales.
Of course, you need to be sure you’re dealing with a credible SEO company to make this type of arrangement work. Ideally, you want to choose someone who already has websites that rank well in local search results. They should also be knowledgeable about how to get your site to appear on the first page of search results pages, as well as know how to use the right tags and keywords. By combining the best practices for SEO with the experience of professionals, you can create a solid SEO strategy that’s designed to bring you high rankings in the search engines and keep them that way. You’ll be able to tap into a group of potential customers you wouldn’t otherwise, and you can do so without spending a great deal of money. Now all you have to do is start enjoying the results!