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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO LOCAL SEO
Millions of people log online every day in search of local resources. Nearly 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information.
Think about it- when you’re looking for a restaurant in your area, how do you find it? More than likely, you take out your phone and conduct online research.
As a business owner, the same goes for your customers. When they’re looking for a product or service similar to what your business offers, they’re searching online. That’s why it’s imperative that your business has a strong Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy to stay relevant in the current digital landscape. In fact, 88% of consumer local business searches on a mobile device either call or visit the business within 24 hours.
If your business isn’t optimized, you could be missing out on potential customers in your area.
That’s where Reputation Sensei comes in. We’ll provide a combination of the best Local SEO practices for you to ensure improved visibility and put your business on the map!
WHAT IS LOCAL SEO?
Many business owners are familiar with traditional SEO and its importance in attracting new customers; Local SEO is a more targeted approach.
Local SEO is the process of improving search engine visibility for local businesses. Using accurate, consistent data and keywords about your business across optimal search engine platforms can help position your business to local prospects and improve traffic from searches performed by consumers in your local area.
At Reputation Sensei, two of the main elements of Local SEO we focus on are Google My Business and Listing Management.
GOOGLE MY BUSINESS
A Google Business Profile establishes brand authority and is one of the best tools for your business. It is essentially a detailed snapshot of your business’ details that Google typically shows in local “map” results above regular website results.
After your GMB listing is created and verified, it must be fully optimized to achieve the best search results in your local area. Some of the elements of a quality listing include:
- An accurate and consistent NAP (business name, address, and phone number)
- Description of your business with applicable keywords included
- Products and services your business offers
- Relevant category terms that allow your business to be found
- Specific attributes that your business offers such as special hours or Wi-Fi
- Eye-catching, attractive images
Additionally, keeping your GMB listing frequently updated can help it appear more often on the map. One way Google determines the trust and authenticity of a listing is based off reviews gathered and responded to, so you should always request online reviews from your customers. Not only do reviews prove that your business is legitimate on Google, but they can also help convince prospects to try your business.
Another way to ensure your listing stays on the map is to add Google post updates. Google posts can be used to promote your business’ brand, products and services, local content, or other relevant information that will put your business in front of the people you want to attract.
LISTING MANAGEMENT
Consumers often browse a range of search engine platforms to find information about local businesses before deciding on one. Websites like Yelp and Bing are the new age directories and provide much of the online map data. If your business’ details aren’t present or consistent across these types of directory platforms, many customers won’t even know about it.
Inconsistencies in business names, addresses, phone numbers, abbreviations and more can all create issues for your business online, and even cause it to not show up on Google at all. To avoid this issue and improve the overall visibility of your business, all duplicated listings must be removed, and all existing listings should display accurate and updated information.
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A strong Local SEO strategy is necessary to establish your business’ online reputation. By using the Reputation Sensei approach, Google will reward you and help your business get the recognition it deserves. If you want to reach more customers in your local area, book an online review with us today.
Written by : Meredith Fields
