Did you know that 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information? This pushes marketers to focus their attention on developing their local search marketing. And for your website to rank high on local search results, you need to create and work on a local SEO strategy. One crucial part of local SEO is content marketing.
Writing content for local SEO is different from writing the usual material. In this type of writing, you need to pay attention to trends in your local area and what local customers want to read. Below is a short and quick guide on how to write local content to help with your local SEO strategy and improve your ranking on local search results.
Here are tips on how to write local content for local SEO strategy:
- Research and focus on local keywords.
- Know your target audience.
- Gather ideas from your local customers.
- Be in the loop of any local events.
- Build yourself as an authority in your local area.
- Answer local questions.
- Use social media to share your article.
1 – Research and focus on local keywords.
Compared to keywords used in general, most users use long-tail keywords in their local search queries. Search users tend to use specific terms to get the best search results. You can use tools to search local keywords such as Google Trends and Google Keyword Planner.
Google Trends will help you find which keywords and phrases are popular in a state or city. It also suggests related key phrases you can use instead of your chosen set of words.
Google Keyword Planner is another tool for intensive keyword research. You can find this tool on Google Ads. This tool will help you measure the search volume of selected keywords. It is also a helpful tool to determine which things your target audience is interested in.
2 – Know your target audience.
The next step is to know and identify your target audience. You have to know and understand your market to write better content. When it comes to local content, you start by understanding the demographics and psychographics of your target market.
If you have a Facebook page with several followers, you can use Facebook Insights to analyze your audience and their behaviors. Now you have an idea about your audience’s needs, you can develop articles that would get their attention. For example, first-time puppy owners will definitely be interested in buying chew toys, puppy food, and pet accessories.
3 – Gather ideas from your local customers.
The best way to write the perfect local articles is to know what customers want to know and read straight from them. Talk to customers that come to your store, and ask them what they think of your brand. Gather their ideas and opinions about your business. You can do this by conducting a survey in your store.
Also, use social media channels to ask about ideas and suggestions. By simply engaging and talking to your customers, you can get plenty of ideas. Aside from getting ideas for your local content, you can also gather intel on how to improve your service.
4 – Be in the loop of any local events.
One of the best topics you can write about is the local events happening in your area. This sends signals to Google that your brand is known in the local area. But to be able to write about local events, you need to take part in them. Being in the moment will give you ideas on things to write about.
Use Eventbrite to look for activities and events near your area. Facebook also has a section to list events near your location. There are also apps called DoStuff and AllEvens in Cities that you can use to spot events in town.
However, participating in events relevant to your business is another thing to remember. For example, if you sell sweet pastries, you can go to food markets or food events in your area.
5 – Build yourself as an authority in your local area.
The best way to rank high on local search results is to build yourself as an authority in local content. If you lack the inspiration to write creative local articles, turn to local news relevant to your business or industry. Many blogs and websites stay relevant by spreading current events and information they get from the media.
6 – Answer local questions.
Write articles that answer local questions. You can go to relevant Q&A sites, forums, and online communities. You will be able to find people who are looking for answers to their random questions. Use your expertise to answer these questions that are relevant to your brand.
Aside from helping people look for answers, you can also use these articles to build credibility and show your expertise. This will help make your website an authority in the industry.
7 – Use social media to share your article.
Use social media channels to share your local SEO articles. Social media channels send significant local signals to Google about your brand. This is also a great way to reach audiences in your local area to follow your social media pages. Also, you can use social media channels to engage with local audiences by offering in-store promotions or discounts.
Aside from your social media channels, you might also want to share your local SEO articles on Google Business Profile. You can use the Posts section to share the short parts of your articles and their links for search users to read your local articles.
***
Do you need help in writing your local SEO content? Cybertegic is a top digital marketing company in Los Angeles that can help you with your content marketing for local SEO. We can help you engage more customers by publishing consistent content targeted at your local audience.