In Google’s local search results, your business can appear in multiple ways. You can either show it in the local search results, Google Maps results, or Google Local Pack results. But marketing experts know that the best section for your business to show on local search is in the Local Pack.
Google Local Pack is also referred to as 3-Google Pack. This section is on top of the organic search results, which shows the top three most relevant businesses near the search user’s proximity. The Local Pack also includes a map with the location pins of the three firms.
But for your business to show in Google Local Pack, you need a Google Business Profile. This is because only companies with Google Business Profiles show in Google Local Pack. But aside from having a Google Business Profile, you need to do the proper optimization to increase your chance of showing on the Local Pack results.
Here are seven SEO tips on how to improve your Google Local Pack ranking from our experts at Cybertegic, the top marketing agency in Pasadena:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile.
- Pay attention to feedback and reviews.
- Reassess your on-page optimization.
- Do link building.
- Improve your website’s user experience.
- Build your citation links.
- Personalize your marketing strategy.
1 – Optimize your Google Business Profile.
Claiming your Google Business Profile and optimizing it is the sure way your business can appear on Google Local Pack. This marketing channel allows you to let your local customers know about your business without any cost. GBP is a business listing that enables you to add information about your business, including your address, phone number, and website URL.
With 64% of online consumers using Google Business Profiles to find contact information, it is crucial to have one for your business. It lets you share your business information, allowing you to upload images and videos and share posts or updates about your brand.
2 – Pay attention to feedback and reviews.
Another factor that Google considers in ranking businesses in the Local Pack is the reviews. This includes everything from first-party to third-party reviews, their quantity, velocity, and review diversity. Many online consumers value feedback and consider them in their purchasing decisions. In fact, according to Qualtrics.com, 93% of customers read reviews online before buying a product from a brand.
With that in mind, make sure you pay attention to the reviews you are receiving on your website or online listings. Consider what your customers have to say about your products or service. Improve what needs to be done, and you’ll see that the more happy customers you get, the more reviews you will receive.
3 – Reassess your on-page optimization.
On-page optimization covers everything from your website’s NAP data, targeted keywords on your web pages, title tags, and meta descriptions up to your domain authority. By doing on-page optimization, you can tell Google what your website is all about and what you have to offer to search users, whether information, products, or services.
Optimizing your website increases the chance of your brand getting discovered in both general organic and localized searches. When it comes to local SEO, use local keywords in your on-page optimization to boost your website and increase its chances of showing on local search queries.
4 – Do link building.
Link building is crucial to any digital marketing strategy and is relevant to your search engine optimization. As one of the main ranking factors, link signals include your website’s link domain quantity, link domain authority, and inbound anchor text. These factors are valuable for boosting both your organic search and local search rankings.
When it comes to local search ranking, the quality of your inbound links is the most important consideration. Your links should be coming from websites relevant to your industry. These websites should have a good authority and domain score. And since we’re talking about local, you need backlinks from other local businesses in Pasadena to send link signals to Google.
5 – Improve your website’s user experience.
According to Small Biz Genius, 88% of online consumers say that they won’t likely return to a website after a bad user experience. A critical signal that can tell you if your online visitors have a terrible experience on your website is a high bounce rate. So pay attention to your website’s user experience.
A website with a good user experience means that online visitors can find what they need or have fulfilled their goals before exiting. You can use specific tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to reassess your users’ good experience on your website. Remember that user experience can significantly influence the behavior signals of online visitors, which is another factor Google considers when ranking a website.
6 – Build your citation links.
Citation links refer to online mentions of your business or website without a link. There are two types of online citations: full and partial. Full citations are references that have your full NPA, including your business name, phone number, and business address. On the other hand, partial citations can either be just your company name, phone number, or website.
Online directory and business listings play a significant role in citation links, especially in local search results. These listings show full business NPA, which sends good location and citation signals for Google’s local search algorithm.
7 – Personalize your marketing strategy.
Personalization plays a crucial role in reaching your target audience in local search. According to an article published by Forbes, Segment reported that 71% of consumers become frustrated when their shopping experience feels impersonal. Retail TouchPoints further noted that 36% of online users in the United States think that retailers need to offer more personalized experiences.
Applying a more personalized experience in your marketing strategy will likely result in conversion because they create a connection with your consumers. Personalization works by offering content, products, and information your target audience wants and needs.