Let’s face it, local SEO is important in the growth of every business. But why?
Because more than 40% of Google searches are local. About 90% of online users use their smartphone to search for local businesses and there are over 50% of local searches almost every day.
This shows that local business owners can boost their revenue if they take advantage of local SEO. However, with many people opting for “near me searches,” businesses need to make sure they are easy to find. That’s where local SEO services come into play.
Implementing local SEO strategies helps communities to find businesses in their area. It is like a digital compass that guides online customers to where they can get the product they want to purchase in their vicinity. For example, if you are running a bakery shop in New York City and optimize for local SEO. Your store will pop up when anyone writes the phrase on the search engine "best bakery in NYC" or “bakery near me.”
So, any business owner who is not optimizing their business for local SEO is missing out on a profitable opportunity every time someone searches about products and services in their locality.
In this blog, Unify Wizards takes a deep dive into the meaning of local SEO, how it works, and local SEO strategies that will boost your business visibility on search engines and so much more
What is a Local SEO?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing a website so that it can be seen by customers in your local area. This way, when people search for your type of business in your neighbourhood, your business will appear at the top of the search engine result page.
According to Google, the number of local searches that include the term “near me” has increased by 150% in the past two years. That means many people prefer to patronise businesses around them for convenience.
To connect with people in your area, optimize your Google My Business listing. Ensure your business’s name, address, and phone number are all the same in all different directories and ensure your website has the right content to attract visitors.
Why are Local SEO Services so Important for Businesses?
One of the best ways to get leads and attract local customers is to be visible to them. That’s exactly what local SEO does for your business.
According to Google, more than 70% of online users who conduct a local search through their mobile phones visit the store within 24 hours and about 30% of them end up buying the product or service.
The more people in your locality get to know about your business through an online search, the more they are likely to visit your store and patronise your business.
Local SEO boosts visitors' online traffic into a sales conversion and improves your online visibility. So, it is crucial for businesses that rely on local customers and intend to strengthen their customer base to take advantage of local SEO.
How to Dominate Your Neighbourhood with Local SEO
Google My Business Optimisation
Google Business Profile should be your new best friend if you want to elevate your local SEO. It is often the first thing your potential customers see when they are searching for local services.
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of your local SEO strategy, and it is what makes your business pop up in front of people when they search for services you offer in your local area.
Here are some of the ways you can optimize your Google Business Profile:
- Make sure your local citations such as NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details are completely accurate and correspond to every other information on your website.
- Use high-quality images on your website and ensure they also represent your business well.
- Relevant information such as (website links, business categories, opening hours, service areas, business descriptions, services, and special offers) are complete and regularly updated. This shows customers and search engines that your business is active and trustworthy, increasing your local SEO visibility.
Use Local Keyword Strategy
Generally, optimizing for the right keywords is the foundation of any successful SEO campaign and this includes local SEO. So, when business owners know the relevant keywords and phrases that are used on search engines when people are looking for their product or services and location, they are able to optimize their website content accordingly.
For example: if you run a bookstore in London, using “London Bookstore” or "London Bookstore near me" as a keyword will help you rank higher for local searches. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush will also help you discover long tail and popular keywords relevant to your area.
People always use specific keywords when searching for local businesses and focusing on this keyword will make your business known in your local area.
Create Local Content
Google is very particular and specific about the kind of content it ranks for its users to read. So, the type of content you post on your website is not just to satisfy the search engine but also the users.
From a local SEO services perspective, you need to create that makes your website the go-to place for information in your industry. You also need to update your website and make sure they are engaging. This attracts the attention of the local audience and raises their confidence in your business.
Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
According to Google “near me” searches on mobile have increased by 250% over the years. This has shown that one of the reasons why people perform a mobile search is to find local businesses, identify directions and check business reviews online.
So, if you want to rank higher on Google for local searches, you need to ensure people can seamlessly navigate through your website on their mobile phones. When your website is not mobile-friendly, you are more likely to lose your potential customers, reducing your chances of building credibility and authority.
Ask for Customer Reviews
Reviews are important if you want to build your business reputation and rankings. According to a recent survey, more than 80% of consumers say they go ahead and patronise a business after reading about what others say about them.
Reviews provide trust and play a key role when customers are deciding whether to choose your business or not. So, you need to encourage your satisfied customers to leave a review about their experience. You should also respond to this review to boost engagement and let potential customers know that you value their feedback.
When you have positive customer reviews, it plays a crucial role in building credibility for your business. This impacts your local listings and SEO rankings as Google begins to recommend your business to people who are searching for your product or services.
The Bottom Line
Local SEO is a game-changer for small to medium-sized businesses that rely on their local customers. By focusing on Local SEO, you ensure that your business is the first option that pops up when potential customers are actively looking for your services. Implementing these local SEO strategies also helps businesses grow their customer base, effectively drive more foot traffic, and increase their revenue.
Do you want your business to be seen by the right people and ready to take action? Unify wizards specialise in helping businesses dominate their local markets with effective Local SEO Services. Don’t let your competitors get ahead! Contact us today to boost your business visibility locally and iincreaseyour revenue.