There are many businesses that have local customers. Such businesses aim to ensure their visibility in the local searches. This is absolutely true that the Local SEO is very important for all such businesses that serve its community. We are living in a digital era where almost 80% of customers use Search Engines to learn about the local queries. Almost 18% of the local searches end up in a purchase within the 24 hours.
This is also true that most of the searches are made by smartphone users. However, this is also true that as the Local SEO is growing, the level of the competition is also growing. Now, there is a lot of competition for the visibility as well as local search traffic. As a result, almost all the businesses are striving to significantly improve their local searches. There are several key local ranking factors that can easily position your business’s website effectively across all its locations.
What is actually meant by the Local SEO?
It is important to learn and understand what is actually meant by the Local SEO. In Local SEO, there are several practices that aim to attract customers by improving a business’s visibility in the local search results. The business should be visible in local search results such as localized search listing, maps, etc. Please note that Local SEO is not just confined to Google. Customers make use of different Search Engines and platforms such as Bing maps, Google maps, Apple maps, etc. Notably, in several countries there are different platforms that allow businesses to optimize their local Apple maps location. Your business should be present in the directory, it must have a local presence. Of course, Google, the leading Search Engine, is used during local searches. So, most businesses strive to make their presence felt.
Who must opt for Local SEO?
All those who operate brick and mortar stores can benefit from the Local SEO, and they can earn more by improving their visibility. Your business should be visible in the world of the Internet. Whether your business is large or small, it must pay proper attention to Local SEO. Your business can generate a lot of revenue if it is visible within the local search. Try to generate more traffic for your business. The retailers, restaurants, law firms, healthcare clinics, photographers, law firms, real estate offices, salons, auto repair services can benefit from Local SEO.
What are the Local SEO ranking factors?
It is important to note that the local rankings are not related to your website. However, Google lists several key attributes that assist in determining the local rankings such as:
- Relevance that defines how properly a local listing is matching with what a user is looking for.
- The distance that refers to how far each result is from the location term used in the query.
- The factor of the prominence also matters. If a business is well-known, then it will also help in the Local SEO.
Some important aspect that helps in succeeding in the Local SEO:
There are two main aspects that assist in succeeding in the Local SEO:
- Being found means how properly you are searching in local packs, Google maps and other platforms such as Apple maps.
- Another aspect is being selected. This means convincing the users to choose your listings over others.
The quality of the reviews
It is important to pay attention to the aspect of reviews as well. How many reviews your business is generating? What is the overall score? All these aspects really matter. The responsiveness of the business also matters because it helps the business to rank higher in the local search results. Consult with the experts and learn about these aspects. Try to analyze what the customers are trying to say in those reviews. Is there anything that makes you special, then it is important to learn about that specific aspect. If there are negative reviews about your business, then, there is a chance that it can damage a person’s selection process. The content of the review can influence the customers.
There are a few practices that can help your business to improve the local search visibility:
- Monitor the online reviews
- Set up a local rank tracking
- Make such web pages that are easy to crawl
- Create engaging localized content
- Ensure that the business’s name, address and contact number is accurately listed on online platforms
- Properly optimize your Google Business listings
- Try to optimize your website for voice search, if possible
- Optimize your website for mobile
- Mention the location in the meta tags as well
- Integrate relevant schema with the website
- Try to improve the local keyword targeting
It is extremely important to pay proper attention to Local SEO. A business that operates in a specific location can easily register progress if it is visible locally.
