Google has started leaning into local search as most users continue to search keywords with the location added. In fact, according to research, 97% of users visit Google to find a local business. And to top that up, 28% of all these local searches end on a purchase.
With these numbers in mind, small businesses must push their website’s local SEO strategy. Local SEO marketing allows your website to appear on top of local search, getting you online leads and more foot traffic to your physical store.
Here are tips to improve your website’s local SEO from us at Cybertegic, a local marketing agency in Pasadena:
- Create a Google Business Profile.
- Optimize your website for voice search.
- Get more reviews from happy customers.
- Optimize your website for mobile.
- Use the right local keywords.
- Sign up on local directory and business listing sites.
- Build links on local websites.
1 – Create a Google Business Profile.
Google Business Profile is a crucial part of local SEO. It is one of the first places Google’s search engine uses to identify the location of your business. Aside from your website, Google can also show your Google Business Profile listing on relevant local search results. So if you still don’t have a Google Business Profile listing, now is the best time to add your profile.
Here’s how to create your Google Business Profile:
- Go to Google Business Profile.
- Sign in on Google, or create one.
- Enter your business name and click Next.
- Search for and select your business category.
- Add your business location and enter the service area of your business.
- Add your phone and website URL, then click Finish.
- Make sure to verify your business.
Keep in mind to add all the important details in your business, which should be precisely the same as what is published on your website, social media channels, and your business registry.
2 – Optimize your website for voice search.
According to research, 58% of consumers have found local businesses using voice search. One reason for this is that it’s easy for mobile users to do an online search using their smartphones. This is why it is imperative to optimize your website for voice search.
Remember that people use their natural language when doing voice searches instead of typing a keyword on the search box. The key is to optimize your content and metadata for how people ask questions when they speak on devices.
3 – Get more reviews from happy customers.
If you ask online consumers what one of the first things they look into when choosing a product or brand online is, they will answer “reviews.” Customers look for feedback to get more ideas on what a brand offers, product or service quality, and customer service. Research also found that 85% of customers believe online reviews are like personal recommendations.
For customers to write reviews on your website or business listings, ensure to deliver the best customer service and products. Satisfied customers are more likely to leave one without directly urging them. And when you get reviews, don’t forget to use them for marketing your brand.
4 – Optimize your website for mobile.
According to a study by Nectafy, 88% of all mobile searchers with local intent either call or visit the business within 24 hours. Optimize your website by using a responsive design or layout. This will ensure that your website will upload whether online users check it on their desktop computer or mobile phone.
5 – Use the right local keywords.
Another thing you should look into when building your local SEO strategy is to search for local keywords. You must ensure that the main keywords you use also have a good search volume in your local area. Use Google’s Keyword Planner to choose the right keywords that will work with your local SEO strategy and local Google Ads campaign. Once you have a good list of local keywords, incorporate them on your landing pages and meta elements.
6 – Sign up on local directory and business listing sites.
Google Business Profile isn’t the only place you should create a business listing. There are dozens of websites, listing sites, and social media channels that you can use to send local signals to Google.
Here are the top websites you should sign up for:
- Google Business Profile
- Yelp
- Linkedin Company Directory
- Apple Maps
- Bing Places for Business
- Yellow Pages
- Map Quest
- Four Square
- Yahoo Local
7 – Build links on local websites.
You can boost your website’s ranking by building links on local websites. Look for sites with businesses or organizations in your area where you can add a link to your website. However, these businesses have to be relevant to your products or services. It will also help to join local events in the area to introduce your brand and business.