These days, everybody who is anybody has some knowledge of SEO. However, the burning question for forward-looking businesses remains – How can we up the game and be the most relevant for local, national, and international geographies?
While word-of-mouth publicity and local print ads are good options, you cannot ignore the power of localized search engine optimization at the current time. We can help you improve your local SEO game in a way that would work wonders for your brick-and-mortar store or business.
First things first – let us help you get the basics right. So, what is local SEO? To understand the importance of local SEO, it is necessary to know what a “local search” is.
We perform a local search whenever we look for information, products, services, or a business in a specific geographical area or location. Generally, a person executes a local search to determine what options are readily available near them. Local SEO is a process by which you can elevate your visibility on search result pages (or SERPs) for these local searches. Establishing your local presence can work wonders for your brand and business, especially in its nascent stages.
Let us now see what we can do to elevate your visibility on local SERPs.
1.GMB is the way to go
We cannot harp on this enough. Making Google My Business (GMB) your best friend is crucial to improving your local SEO game. This free tool offered by Google allows you to create free listings for your business. You can create an account, fill in the necessary and relevant information like your name, address, business category, contact number, and location, and use it like your online business card.
You may also provide additional information like images and work hours if you think it is relevant or necessary. Once done, there is a high chance that your business will appear on Google SERPs for your location.
2. Optimize your homepage and metadata
Your website should have accurate information about who you are, what you do, and where to find you. If the title tag, header tag, and meta-description of your website’s homepage clearly state these details, it becomes easier for Google to understand all the elements of your business. Optimizing your metadata can make it simple for search engines to understand what you do, where you do it, and show your information on relevant SERPs.
3. Use local schema
Use local business, organization, product, and service schema to optimize your website for local SEO. This additional code adds a layer to your business that eases the job search engines perform. This crucial factor for your local SEO is underrated, yet it is important to maintain NAP (Name, Address, and Phone Number) consistency.
4. Customer Reviews
Reviews are extremely important for local SEO. They play a dual role. They not only improve your local search ranking but also work as a catalyst for building a strong online reputation for your business. Positive reviews can go a long way in helping you get fresh leads for your business. Positive reviews play an important role in the online algorithm and contribute to your local rating in many ways. So, remember to have a good rapport with your customers and urge them to leave positive reviews for you!
5. Ensure NAP/citation consistency
Search engines like Google consider citation signals and NAP (Name, Address, and Phone Number) consistency in local search results. Search engines can crosscheck NAPs to check your website’s authenticity. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the same NAP everywhere. Commonly found on the footer of your website, ensure that the information you provide is proper and accurate.
6. Implement mobile-first voice search
With mobile phones being an integral and indispensable part of our lives, it is crucial to consider voice search. Online studies show that more than 80% of people use mobile devices to conduct a “near me” search. Many people prefer voice searches to text-based searches today. Remember that providing a voice search facility will add that X-factor and contribute positively to local SEO. Remember to optimize your website to ensure that it is mobile-friendly. Also, do not forget to add CTA buttons on your website. Doing so will help steer a lot of traffic directly to you.
7. Social media presence and local directories
Social media, if used correctly, can work wonders for your business. Update your business’s Facebook and Instagram accounts regularly. Make optimal use of your profiles, stories, posts, videos, and static banners to communicate the nature of your business and accurate contact details. Join relevant groups that target specific locations. Create engaging posts and ensure that they reach their desired target audience. Moreover, you cannot afford to ignore listing and optimizing your business information in local directories. Ensure that you put the same details everywhere.
With QualDev, you can go that extra mile to crack the local SEO game and grow your business exponentially! With our specialized SEO services, we can ensure that your business receives maximum visibility and conversions depending on your specific requirements. With thorough knowledge, expertise, and experience in the field, we are a team of innovative professionals that will help you take your business to the next level.
We are a top-notch ecommerce web design and development company based in New York, USA. We take immense pride in providing future-ready solutions that help your business scale like never before. Get in touch with our team today!