How to Make the Most of Local Search Engine Optimization

If your business has a physical presence, local SEO is a must-have for your online marketing strategy. Roughly 87.3 percent of the US population uses the internet, including locals searching for businesses in their area. Here are practical ways to make the most of local SEO.

Why local SEO matters

Google processes over 8 billion searches daily, and nearly half of those searches are for local information. A local SEO campaign keeps your business visible in the search results, maps, and directories that your nearby customers already use. The more local your optimization, the more relevant traffic you can attract from people in your service area.

Fix your citations across the web

Customers don’t want to waste time hunting for correct information about your business. Update every citation on Google, Yelp, and other trusted local sites so your name, address, and phone number match. Combine that with backlinks from relevant websites, which help Google’s algorithms understand what your business does. A plumber, for example, doesn’t need the best website in the world. They need one that fits their service area and makes contact easy.

Use customer reviews to boost rankings

Positive reviews increase sales and support your local rankings. Review management software like Podium can help you double your Google reviews within 60 days. Add customer reviews to your website to lift your ranking in Google and raise your online visibility. Check the quality of those reviews as well, since surveys show a company’s link quality can have a significant impact on local search rankings.

Get listed in hundreds of online directories

Online directories reach millions of visitors each month and often carry high domain authority, which helps both SEO and traffic. Add your business to the major directories and keep your location-specific keywords current in your content.

Optimize your Google My Business profile

Your Google My Business profile is a critical part of the Google algorithm. It lets you maintain your listing, respond to reviews, and surface for relevant searches. A well-optimized GMB profile can dramatically improve your chances of showing up in related searches, and a free listing can help you stand out from competitors.

Build a mobile-friendly website

More than half of all local searches happen on mobile devices. Your site should be mobile-friendly and responsive so customers can read it on a phone, tablet, or desktop. Make sure your customer support staff is ready to answer questions and keep the experience smooth. The more responsive your site is, the better your local ranking can be.

FAQ

What is local SEO and who needs it?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence so your business shows up in searches tied to a specific location. It is essential for any business with a physical presence that wants to be found by customers in its service area.

How do customer reviews affect local search rankings?

Positive reviews help increase sales and support higher rankings in local search results. Adding reviews to your website can lift your Google ranking and online visibility, and the quality of those reviews and links can have a significant impact on local search rankings.

What are the most important local SEO steps?

The core steps are keeping citations accurate on Google, Yelp, and other trusted local sites, listing your business in online directories, optimizing your Google My Business profile, earning customer reviews, and building a mobile-friendly website so visitors on phones, tablets, and desktops all get a smooth experience.