As the popularity of online shopping increases, more customers find local businesses online before visiting their brick-and-mortar stores. If you own an online or physical store, take advantage of this trend and invest in local SEO. It increases your online visibility in local searches and helps you gain new customers. Here is how to leverage local SEO:
Claim and Optimize GMB Listing
Google My Business (GMB) is the key to your SEO strategy, allowing you to list your business on Google Maps. Clients searching for your services in your area can see your exact location. Here is everything you need for your GMB listing:
- Full business name
- Physical address of your store (including exact location on a map)
- Business category
- Phone number and website
Once your business has been listed, verify it through official mail or phone call. Make sure your GMB listing has been optimized by doing the following:
- Upload your business photos; include photos of your store’s interior and the surrounding premises.
- Indicate your business hours.
- Provide additional phone numbers if they are available.
Optimize Your Website for Mobile Phones Users
Create a mobile-friendly website so that mobile phone customers navigate your site easily. With smartphones becoming increasingly common, most clients access your websites with phones and not computers. Make sure your website design is simple for mobile phone users.
Don’t forget to include a click-to-call button in your GMB listings. This allows potential clients to reach you directly from search results.
Collect Adequate Customer Reviews
Have as many positive and authentic reviews as possible to boost your visibility in local search engines. Collect reviews from different areas, including social media and consumer directories, to enhance your reputation.
Add your reviews on sites known for providing authentic data. Some of these sites include Yelp, Thumbtack, and Angie’s list.
Focus On Local Link Building
Local SEO requires linking your content to authority websites in your target location. This proves you can be trusted and helps you rank higher on google searches. Guest posting, partnerships, and scholarships are excellent ways to attain backlinks to your website. When different sites in your area link to your website, you are perceived as a source of authority, and clients trust you.
Utilize Location Pages
Location pages are effective, especially if you operate in more than one location. If you have multiple locations, create unique content for every page. You need to provide the following on every location page:
- Testimonials
- Store hours
- Individualized descriptions
- Parking availability
Focus On Local Keywords
Use relevant local keywords to increase your online visibility on local searches. Google’s software Keyword Planner allows you to filter keyword searches based on location. Ensure these keywords appear in your site’s meta description, content, and URL.
Use Online Business Directories
These websites list your name, phone number, and address, increasing your online visibility. They also promote your SEO and drive sales in your area. Some online business directories include MapQuest, Yelp, Foursquare, and Yellow Pages.
Dedicate a Webpage for Each Product
While it could be tempting to list all your products and services on a single page, avoid doing so! SEO is not as powerful when you bring out all your products on a single page.
Dedicate a single page for every product or service your offer. Search engines will view your brand as a source of authority in a particular area, increasing your visibility and overall local rankings.
Use Local SEO To Increase Your Visibility
You should invest in Local SEO If you own a business with an online presence. It increases your online visibility and helps potential customers in your geographical location to find your business easily. A great SEO strategy increases competitive advantage in your industry and geographical location.