Will local SEO help your business? 

With 64% of searches being made from mobile phones and the ever-increasing preference for finding local services online, mastering local SEO is essential for improving online visibility and attracting customers in your local area.

Local SEO, also known as local search engine optimisation, is the practice of optimising a business’s online presence to attract more customers from relevant local searches. If your business relies on customers from the local area, improving your visibility on search engines like Google is a must.

Do Google ‘near me’ searches work?

‘Near me’ searches, such as ‘restaurants near me,’ help individuals find local businesses, services, or points of interest close to their current location. As ‘near me’ searches on mobile phones have grown 125% in the last year alone, is this the kind of growth your business can afford to ignore, especially as this search type typically indicates an immediate purchase intent?

When a potential customer has conducted a local search, Google displays two types of results:

•  Local Pack results from Google Business Profile and Google Maps.
•  Organic results that are keyword-driven. 

How to create a Google Business Profile account

•  Log in to Google Business Profile (this used to be called Google My Business). Create an account if you haven’t done so already.
•  Add your business information.
•  Enter your business name.
•  Select your business type.
•  Enter your location. If you’re an online-only business, enter the location you’d like to target.
•  Enter your contact information.
•  Verify your business. This is done via an email verification code.
•  Optimise your profile by adding business hours, photos, and a description of your business. Google states that completed profiles receive 70% more traffic.

Using keywords to attract organic traffic

Conducting keyword research specific to your local area can uncover valuable insights into your target audience’s search habits and preferences. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer to identify relevant and high-performing keywords for your local SEO campaigns.

Long-tail keywords that include location-specific terms can boost your local search rankings. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website content, meta tags, headers, and URLs to improve relevancy and increase your chances of ranking higher in local search.

Analysing your competitors’ keyword strategies can help to identify gaps in their targeting strategy. 

Review and update your keyword strategy regularly based on performance metrics and changes in search trends. This will ensure that you stay competitive in local SEO.

Attracting keyword-driven traffic can be tricky and time-consuming, but this is an area I specialise in. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation consultation to see if this area would strengthen your business. I can tailor packages to suit specific needs, with one package costing less than the software required to tackle SEO in-house.

Leveraging reviews for local search metrics

Positive customer reviews can significantly impact your local search rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor to showcase your business’s excellent reputation.

Responding promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews demonstrates your commitment to customer service and can influence potential customers.

Regularly monitor and manage your online reviews to ensure accuracy, address any issues, and maintain a positive online presence.

An overview of local SEO Tools for local businesses

Several tools can assist you in mastering local SEO. Here are some essential tools to consider:

•  Google Business Profile. This tool allows you to create and optimise your Google profile, monitor performance metrics, and engage with customers.
•  Google Analytics. This tool tracks website traffic, user behaviour, and conversion rates. It provides valuable insights for optimising your local SEO strategy.
•  Google Search Console. Monitor your website’s performance in Google search results, identify indexing issues, and submit sitemaps for better visibility.
•  Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Moz Keyword Explorer, Ubersuggest. Use these tools to conduct keyword research and identify relevant and high-performing keywords for local SEO campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I run local SEO?

Running local SEO involves optimising your online presence to attract more local customers. This includes creating a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) account, optimising your website for local keywords, getting listed in local directories, and generating local reviews. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across all platforms is crucial for local SEO success.

Is local SEO free?

While some aspects of local SEO are free, such as creating a Google Business Profile account or optimising your website, some strategies may require a budget. These include running local ads, hiring a local SEO expert, or investing in tools to track your local SEO performance.

Who uses local SEO?

Local SEO is essential for businesses that rely on local customers. This includes brick-and-mortar shops, service-based businesses like plumbers or electricians, restaurants, clinics, and more. Any business that wants to attract customers from a specific geographical area can benefit from optimising its online presence for local search.

What is the difference between local SEO and SEO?

The main difference between local SEO and general SEO is the focus on geographical location. To attract local customers, local SEO targets specific geographic areas, such as cities or regions. General SEO, on the other hand, focuses on optimising a website to rank for keywords without one particular geographic target. Both are essential for a comprehensive digital marketing strategy.

Key points

•  Accurate business information and a consistent online presence are crucial for local SEO success.
•  Utilising relevant keywords and optimising website content can significantly improve local search rankings.
•  Creating a user-friendly website with straightforward navigation and fast loading times is crucial in providing a positive experience for both visitors and search engines.
•  Regularly monitoring and analysing local SEO performance metrics can help identify areas for improvement and track the success of optimisation efforts.
•  Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for local SEO, and optimising your account is crucial for local search visibility and engagement.

Why choose me to help with your SEO? Click here to find out.