Local SEO
If you want your business to be visible online, then get comfortable with the concept of SEO…
For location-based businesses—such as restaurants, retail stores, and service providers—local SEO is a game-changer. It ensures that when potential customers search for services or products near them, your business is prominently displayed. What makes local SEO so crucial? We’re so glad you asked…
WHAT IS LOCAL SEO?
Local SEO refers to the optimisation strategies that help businesses appear in local search results on Google and other search engines. This includes tactics like optimising your Google My Business (GMB) listing, getting positive reviews, and ensuring your website includes local keywords, like town / suburb / road names. Unlike general SEO, which targets broader search queries, local SEO focuses on queries with geographic intent, such as "best coffee shop near me" or "plumber in [city]."
WHY DOES SEO MATTER?
To put it simply: if Google can’t find you, it can’t add you to search results. SEO is the way to help Google (and thus customers) find you. Not only that, but with an effective SEO strategy in place, you get:
Increased Visibility in Local Searches: Most people use search engines to find local businesses. According to Google, nearly 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day. If your business doesn’t appear in these local searches, you’re missing out on a significant number of potential customers. By optimizing your local SEO, you increase your chances of showing up in these crucial searches, driving more foot traffic and potential sales.
Enhanced Google My Business Presence: Your Google My Business listing is one of the most important aspects of local SEO. It provides essential information such as your business address, hours of operation, and contact details. An optimised GMB listing helps you appear in Google Maps and local search results, making it easier for customers to find and choose your business. Regular updates, engaging with reviews, and ensuring your information is accurate can significantly boost your local search rankings.
Builds Trust and Credibility: A strong local SEO strategy often involves garnering positive reviews and managing your online reputation. Positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook can enhance your business’s credibility and encourage more people to visit or use your services. Reviews act as social proof, reassuring potential customers that your business is reputable and reliable.
Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to traditional advertising methods, local SEO is a cost-effective way to attract new customers. It focuses on people who are actively searching for services or products in your area, meaning you’re targeting a ready-to-buy audience. The return on investment (ROI) from local SEO can be substantial, especially for small to medium-sized businesses with limited marketing budgets. Best of all, SEO is free - it just takes time and effort to implement.
Competitive Advantage: If your competitors are investing in local SEO and you’re not, you could be at a disadvantage. Local SEO levels the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete with larger chains by focusing on specific geographic areas. By optimising your local presence, you can gain an edge over competitors who may not be leveraging these tactics effectively.
WHERE DO I START?
If local SEO is a new concept (or one you’re just now coming to understand), here’s where to start:
Optimise Your Google My Business Listing: Ensure your business information is accurate, complete, and regularly updated. Include high-quality images, accurate hours of operation, and relevant keywords in your business description.
Gather and Manage Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Respond to reviews promptly to show that you value customer feedback.
Use Local Keywords: Incorporate local keywords into your website content, meta descriptions, and titles. For example, instead of “best pizza,” use “best pizza in [town / suburb].”
Create Local Content: Write blog posts or create content that is relevant to your local area. This could include local events, news, or FB community groups.
Build Local Citations: Ensure your business is listed on local directories and review sites. Consistent information across these platforms helps boost your credibility and search rankings.
Is location key to your business success? Time to jump on local SEO…
By implementing local SEO strategies, businesses can improve their visibility, build trust, and drive more targeted traffic. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, investing in local SEO will help ensure your business remains visible and relevant to the customers who matter most.
Need help with this? Give us a call or book your FREE 30 minute Discovery Call so we can get your local SEO underway.
