Have you heard of the term – local SEO? We will explain why it is important for your business and what benefits it can bring you. Get inspired by proven tips that will bring you new customers and increase your profits.
What is local SEO?
Local or also local SEO is the optimization of a specific business’s website to increase its visibility in local search engine results. This technique includes the pursuit of relevant content, on-page optimization and creating backlinks to have a localized intent.
The three main pillars of local search mentioned above are proximity, prominence and relevance.
Simply put, with SEO you are showing search engines why your business is the right one to offer users. It’s important to show in every way that your website, blog or e-store is worth visiting to use your services and purchase your goods.
Why local SEO is important
With local SEO, you can increase your visibility very quickly. If you offer genuine goods or are in the business of providing services, it is imperative that these benefits of yours are recognized in the online world. Therefore, the first step is optimizing your website, followed by enrolling in local businesses and last but not least getting positive reviews and backlinks.
What factors affect local SEO
- Social networks
- Getting positive reviews
- Backlinks
- On-page factors
- Google My Business
- Personalization
- Relevant content
- Listing in business directories (Firmy.cz on Seznam, Google My Business on Google)
- Consistency of information
- Local keywords
Focus on Google
Google has been among the most powerful search tools for several years. In this case, it occupies almost 93% of the global market. However, the percentage of local searches is very important information. With up to 2 trillion searches per year, this amounts to 46% of searches with local intent.
The 4 steps of a marketing strategy
If you too want to take advantage of local SEO, you’ll need a marketing strategy that can’t miss four key steps.
- The first step is to showcase your business on Google. Based on this business profile, which meets predetermined requirements, you can run a targeted campaign and local search.
- The second step is to correctly set up your business data, which is listed in the main directories and is always consistent.
- The third step is to accurately identify the business. You need to know which category your business falls into and specify that category.
- The fourth and equally important step is to determine your business plans and goals. In this step, you can mention your website, social media profiles, but also clearly articulate your goals to help others.
Localize
With local SEO, it’s important to determine the area your business falls into and that you choose to “serve”. For example, this could be offering services within a reasonable distance, such as within a radius of your home. Equally, it may be a focus on a particular county or city. You will address this question on your business profile and when you set it up in Google maps. You need to mark your location and then the relevant service area.
How local SEO works
Local SEO also works based on the location from which a person searches. However, social media sharing, business rankings on Google maps, using the right keywords in online reviews, and proper listing in Google My Business are also taken into account. In this case, using the appropriate keywords in your business profile is also a must, as is the number of check-ins and completed orders at a given location. All of these factors are central to ranking local search results.
Local SEO values:
- Getting your Google My Business details right
- User and customer reviews
- Link profile from local websites
- Consistency and same contact details, including address (across all directories and sites that mention you)
For whom is local SEO suitable?
Local optimization is important not only for e-shops, but also for brick-and-mortar stores that serve local locations, whether they are cities, entire regions or, on a larger scale, even entire countries. With local SEO, you make it easy for people to find all the information about your business, quickly and easily.
Local SEO is suitable for almost any business, however, it’s a good place to pick up things like local stores, restaurants in the area, medical and dental offices, or other services in the area. Whether it’s hair salons, massage parlors, or law and notary offices. However, local SEO is also appreciated by local artisans.
If you’re still wondering why you should focus on local SEO, try to see for yourself how much of an advantage it is to have services available in your area, whether it’s the aforementioned restaurant, the hairdresser across the street, or perhaps a computer repairman or plumber.
How to optimize a website for local SEO?
When collecting keywords, try to focus on the location. Place these keywords with the location in the title, meta description and main title. Don’t forget to include opening hours and phone and email contact information. Optimize the website to make it mobile friendly.
Add Google Maps and the ability to plan a specific route to your website. In addition to phone and email, always include the address of a brick-and-mortar store or location where you can pick up your goods or services. Create a clear menu of services with a price list. Add benefits and advantages over your competitors, whether it’s free postage, the ability to pay by card or even in-store pickup.
Isn’t it just the right time to boost your business and take an interest in local SEO?
