I’d like to continue with our core idea from our last article: that SEO can be simplified to the KISS method. If you haven’t read that article, check it out! In this article, I’d like to dive into local seo and show you why local SEO doesn’t have to be difficult.
This article deals with Local SEO, one of our 5 Core Components of SEO.
It’s worth noting that nothing we’re saying here is groundbreaking information. On the contrary, we’re attempting to simplify the process. We’ll justify our reasons below.
In fact, there are just 5 core things we do to improve local SEO.
- Optimize your Google Business Profile using Google Business Manager (GBM).
- Post updates to GBM on a weekly basis.
- Use keywords with local intent and optimize titles, descriptions and headings for these.
- Join local listings and associations and partner with local businesses.
- Remember to use the power of social media.
BONUS: Use Schema Markup
Let’s break these down:
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Use Google Business Manager (GBM) to optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP). This is key to boosting your visibility in local searches. When users interact with your GPM, there is a 50% chance that they will visit your website. GBM is a single place to manage and optimize your GBP.
Start by ensuring that your profile is fully claimed and verified. This is the foundation of your local SEO. This lets you control how your business appears on Google Search and Maps.
Use GBM to keep your business info accurate and up-to-date. Be sure your name, address, phone number, website URL, and hours are accurate. All online platforms must have the same information. This is key to building trust with search engines and customers. Don't forget to check your social media accounts for this as well.
Choose the most relevant primary and secondary categories for your business. This helps Google understand your services and match your profile with relevant searches.
Post Updates To GBM An A Weekly Basis
Adding high-quality photos and videos to your profile boosts your appeal to customers. Visual content is more engaging and helps connect with your audience. We recommend adding new photos and/or videos weekly or monthly.
Also, GBM makes it easy to manage customer reviews. Encouraging happy clients to leave positive feedback shows you value their input. We also recommend that your respond to all reviews. This can improve your business's reputation and ranking. Be sure to further interact with potential customers by answering questions.
Finally, you should regularly update your GBP with fresh content. Keep your profile active by posting weekly with things like new offers, events, or even blog posts. This boosts your visibility in local search results. Using all these features in GBM can create a strong online presence.
Join as many relevant local listings as you can and partner with other local businesses.
Choose Keywords With Local Intent
Using keywords with local intent is a great way to boost your search visibility. It's especially effective for businesses targeting customers in specific areas.
Local intent keywords usually include your city, neighborhood, or region. They also include your core products or services. Using these keywords in your content signals search engines that your business is relevant to local service seekers. This is crucial as more people use phrases like "near me" when searching for services online.
Keyword research tools can be inaccurate when it comes to local iteent. We like to find strong keyword phrases that aren't locally targeted first. For example, let's say that we were working for a roofing repair company in Chicago. Hypothetically, we found that "roofing services" and "roof repair" were strong keywords. To make this locally-optimized, we would use phrases like "roofing services in Chicago" or "Chicago roof repair" in our content.
It's vital to optimize your titles, meta descriptions, and headings with local keywords. This will maximize their impact. The title tag is the clickable headline in search results. It is one of the most important on-page SEO elements. It should include your target local keyword and also entice users to click through to your site. These should be no longer than 65 characters.
Meta descriptions aren't a ranking factor. But, they attract clicks. They give a brief, compelling summary of the page's content. Using your local keyword in your meta descriptions can improve your search engine relevance. Try to keep these to 156 characters or less.
Headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) should also be optimized with local keywords. These headings structure your content. They help users and search engines understand the main topics on the page. They also help screen readers to organize the page for users with vision issues.
Using local keywords in your headings emphasizes your content's relevance to specific places. Be sure to use your keyword in your H1. And make sure there is only one H1 on each page. We would recommend using a variation of your keyword for at least one of your other headings.
Join Local Listings & Associations and Partner With Local Businesses
Joining local listings and associations can boost your SEO and community presence. Local listings, like online directories and area-specific business listings, are vital. They help potential local customers find your business.
Listing your business on Yelp and TripAdvisor can boost your local search visibility. It will help customers find and contact you. Also, joining local business groups can boost your credibility. It will connect you with local entrepreneurs and create collaboration opportunities.
Partnering with local businesses is a great way to boost your local presence. Partnering with similar businesses can create a win-win relationship.
For example, a restaurant could partner with a local farm to use its ingredients. A home improvement company could partner with local agents. They could offer services to new homeowners.
Most importantly (from an SEO perspective), these partnerships offer cross-promotion. This can help you build strong backlinks to your site. And strong backlinks boost your local search rankings.
Finally, these collaborations can boost your reputation in the community. They can position your business as a trusted part of the local economy.
Remember To Use the Power of Social Media
In 2024. It is crucial to use social media in business. This helps boost your local SEO and connect you with your community. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter let you talk to your audience by engaging with local customers in real-time.
Regularly post content that resonates with your local audience. Share updates about your business, promotions, local events, and community news. This will boost your visibility and encourage more engagement with your brand.
And through social media, you can build a loyal customer base. It also shows search engines that your business is active and relevant locally. This can boost your local search rankings.
Also, social media can can help you reach a bigger local audience. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram let you create highly targeted ads. They can be shown to users based on their location, interests, and demographics.
Facebook might be "old news" to the teenage crowd, but it is still the number one social media platform in the world. Be sure to keep your Facebook profile up-to-date and stay active.
And don't forget about YouTube. Creating videos that showcase your products or services can boost your online visibility. Just like your website, optimize your YouTube videos with local keywords in the titles. This will help your videos appear in local search results. It will also attract more viewers from your area. Oh, and be sure to share these videos on social media and your website.
BONUS: Use Schema Markup
Schema markup is crucial for your website's SEO because it helps search engines better understand the content on your site. This leads to more accurate and enhanced search results. Schema is a type of microdata. You add it to your website's HTML code. It gives search engines more context about your page's information. This can include details about your business, products, services, events, and more.
A key benefit of schema markup is rich snippets. They are search results with extra info, like ratings, reviews, prices, or event dates. These enhanced listings make your search result stand out. And that means they are more likely to get clicks.
If you're using Wordpress or another builder, there are plugins that can generate and deploy schema for you. But if you're coding your site or using something like Webflow, you're going to have to create it yourself.
But it doesn't have to be difficult. Try this schema markup generator by Merkle. It’s easy to use and doesn’t take too much time.
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Local SEO can be easy. Just break it into simple steps. Focus on the basics. Optimize your Google Business Profile. Use local keywords. Engage your community through partnerships and social media. Use tools like schema markup. These steps will boost your local online presence.
Above all: Be consistent. Keep your business active and relevant to search engines and customers. With the right approach, local SEO can grow your business and connect you with your community. You can do this!
