According to recent studies, 97% of users searched online for a local business, urging Google to develop its algorithm for local search. Local search marketing allows a small local business to compete with big brands that offer similar products and services.
However, the question is, how can your local business appear on Google Search Results? Cybertegic is a top marketing agency in Pasadena with years of experience in Search Engine Optimization. To share our expertise, here are seven tips on how to make your local business appear on Google Search Results:
- Check and update your NPA.
- Update your website for local search results.
- Build your reputation on the local scene.
- Use social media marketing.
- List your website on online business directories.
- Build your brand relevance and prominence.
- Build your backlinks.
1 – Check and update your NAP.
One way Google checks if your business is local is by getting the information posted on your website. This information includes your business name, address, and phone number, more commonly known as NAP. So make sure that these details are published on your website’s home page and landing pages.
When adding NAP to your website, ensure you use the precise details everywhere, especially in your online business listings. For example, if the business address published on your website is 123 Burton St. Orange County, CA. You should use the same exact details in your other listings. Any difference, such as using the “Street” instead of “St.” can cause some issues.
2 – Update your website for local search results.
It is not enough to add your business NPA on your website. But you also need to optimize its homepage and landing pages for local search results. This means updating your page content, title, URLs, image alt tags, and meta-description for local SEO. Create a list of local SEO keywords you can use for your website.
Make sure, though, that when building local keywords, add them to your content and metadata as naturally as possible. It is also recommended to add your business NAP (business name, address, and phone number) on the footer of your website. This way, the information will appear on all pages.
3 – Build your reputation on the local scene.
In their search results, Google prefers to show businesses that users already love — businesses that have already built their credibility and reputation. So how can a local business develop its reputation online? It is through the reviews of their customers on Google’s own business directory, Google Business Profile.
Improve customer service and ensure they are happy with your products or services. Happier customers are likely to leave good reviews on your website and business listings.
4 – Use social media marketing.
Google isn’t the only place users go to when searching for local shops near their place. Social media channels are also excellent for businesses to attract and engage with their new and current customers. They are also used by Google’s algorithm to check the local information of your business.
Businesses can also use social media as a great way to expand their reach and focus on attracting new customers. Through social media channels, they can maintain relationships with existing customers.
5 – List your website on online business directories.
Besides claiming your business on Google Business Profile, getting your business listed on other business listings and directory websites is recommended. These sites include Yelp, Yellow Pages, Bing Places for Business, Yahoo Places, and more.
These business listings will help show your brand to visitors searching their directories and get you more citations. These business citations include your NAP and can help strengthen your local ranking.
6 – Build your brand relevance and prominence.
Business relevance and prominence are major ranking factors Google considers when ranking a website in their local search results. There are tips you can do to enhance your brand relevance and prominence scores:
- Use applicable keywords to improve your online presence.
- Respond to customer reviews to increase engagement.
- Keep your business NAP and working hours updated.
7 – Build your backlinks.
Backlinks are another factor Google considers when ranking a website or business on their local search results. Google confirms that links matter greatly in local SEO, making link building all the more important. And when it comes to local SEO, focusing on local sites can enhance a website’s local search rankings.
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Cybertegic is a digital marketing company in Los Angeles that offers Local SEO services for small businesses to grow their revenue. We have developed our own effective and result-driven SEO strategies to help businesses rank on top of Google search results.