How do you grow your business?
Do you schedule a lot of social media posts?
Do you create online ads?
Do you send out regular emails?
Have you used local Search Engine Optimization services (SEO) to attract more customers?
Local SEO can help the right customers discover your business. It can also increase online visibility for your business. Have a brick and mortar store? Local search optimization can increase foot traffic to your store, too.
Here’s everything you need to better understand local SEO, and how it can help you attract more customers.
There is SEO and then there is Local SEO
In today’s digital age, SEO is a well-known buzzword. But how does it work to grow your business? And what’s the difference between local SEO and traditional SEO?
Traditional SEO focuses on improving your site’s visibility on a national or global scale. This is helpful if you’re marketing to a customer base that isn’t geo-specific. Whereas, Local SEO focuses on increasing your site’s visibility in local search results for local customers.
Local SEO’s primary goal is to make it easier for your target audience to locate a business in their area. When someone searches for “your services” + “near me,” local SEO helps your business appear in search results. This gives you a chance to gain targeted customers who are searching for what you sell.
Elevate Your Reach with Expert Local SEO Services. Book a consultation to learn how local SEO can help your business today.
How to Use Local SEO Strategies to Grow Your Business and Attract More Customers
Every day, people in your very own neighborhood are using Google to search for something. When they search for your specific products or services in the local area, will they find your business?
Here are 5 ways to use local SEO strategies to gain more customers and ensure your business is appearing in search results.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Listing
GBP is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses to manage how their information appears on Google Search and Maps. When a potential consumer searches for a product or service in your area, your listing can appear in Google search results. This is often what customers will see before they even get a chance to view your website.
Your Google Business profile is crucial to gaining new customers and should be an important part of your local SEO strategy. With your profile’s Q&A section, reviews, and business information, you can use your profile to highlight your company’s qualities. Additionally, a well-optimized GBP profile can lead to higher visibility in local searches.
To optimize your Google Business Profile so that it appears in local search results:
Claim and verify your business profile (if you haven’t already).
Confirm your business name, address, and phone number (NAP), hours, website, and business category are correct.
Upload high-quality photos of your business, products, or services.
Write a business description that includes relevant geo-specific keywords.
Respond to both positive and negative reviews.
2. Research Local Keywords
To best use local SEO, you’ll need to use specific keywords. These keywords can be geo-specific and/or industry-specific. The key is to make sure you’re using words potential customers would actually use when searching for your products or services.
Keywords can act as a magnet, attracting new customers to your website. And with more traffic to your site, the probability of converting a visitor to a paying client or customer increases.
How to start searching for geo-specific and relevant keywords for your site:
Brainstorm a list of keywords related to your business and search them on Google to see what comes up.
Check the “related searches” section of Google to find more keywords.
Try using keyword research tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner.
Research what target keywords your competitors are using.
As you work to include more keywords throughout your site, there are a couple of things to also keep in mind.
Researching and using the right keywords can be time-consuming. And as consumer trends change, this process is always evolving.
Don't overuse your keywords or use them in places where they don’t fit. This is referred to as “keyword stuffing” and Google may ignore your web page if it suspects this is what you’re doing.
3. Improve Your On-Page SEO
While the term “on-page SEO” might seem technical, this strategy means you should optimize each page of your website for search engines. Google wants to know what your website is all about. If you don’t tell Google what products or services you sell, it won’t know when to suggest your business over a competitor’s.
To improve the on-page SEO of your website, be sure to do the following:
Include relevant keywords in the page header of each page on your site.
Check how long it takes your website to load as a slow load time can cause customers to bounce.
Make sure each image uses a relevant keyword in the alt text description.
Use keywords when creating a URL and meta description for each page.
4. Create Content
Content creation is one of the best ways to use local SEO strategies to grow your business. Content gives you a place to include more keywords and backlinks to other pages on your site. It also gives you a chance to reach a new audience with your expertise.
Additionally, creating content can increase traffic and develop a way for you to interact with your audience. This establishes your KLT (know, like, trust) factor.
When it comes to creating valuable content for your audience, keep in mind the following:
Understand your audience and create content they’re interested in and searching.
Consider including local phrases in your content.
Create a FAQ page that answers your customer's questions.
Blog about business updates, showcase case studies, or highlight testimonials.
When it comes to local SEO, you’ll need a content strategy that attracts new clients and works to increase your website’s traffic.
5. Check Online Reviews
One of the first things potential clients or customers may see is your online reviews. What does your online reputation look like? What do current customers or clients have to say about your business?
Online reviews influence potential customers. If you have a negative reputation online, this may be the difference between winning and losing a new customer.
Here are a few ways to boost your reviews online and promote the credibility of your business:
Increase your review quantity by asking happy customers to write a review.
Respond to positive reviewers by thanking them for taking the time to share their feedback.
Don’t delay responding to negative reviews.
Respond to negative reviews with care and empathy. Doing so shows that your business cares about its customers and offers outstanding customer support.
Incorporate positive reviews into your marketing materials. Place them on your website, share them on social media, or include them in flyers and brochures.
Even if you’re doing your best to update your own website and Google Business Profile, you may be missing other opportunities. Check sites like Yelp, Trip Advisor, Facebook, and other industry-specific sites to track your online reputation.
Are You Ready to Begin Using Local SEO Strategies to Attract More Customers?
When it comes to using local SEO strategies, the steps outlined above are just the beginning. There are many ways you can use local SEO strategies to increase your online presence and bring in more customers. At Near Me Web Design, we work with small businesses to create a tailored plan that meets their needs and goals. Our team specializes in website content and optimization and digital marketing strategies. We’re here to help you navigate the complex landscape of local SEO.