Phone books are outdated because people Google nowadays. The popular search engine is our constant companion and can be found in all situations. Just a few taps on the mobile phone while you’re on the move, and the search engine will give you the address of a nearby restaurant or the recommendation of a physician in the region.
Since this consumer search behaviour has become the standard, local companies must adapt their SEO strategy because local search engine optimization is the key to success. So, if you specialize in regional running customers, LocalSEOz knows how to focus the spotlight on your business.
Our tips for getting off to a good start with local SEO in 2023
In recent decades, the Internet has risen to number 1 among the top sources of information. Books, family and friends have been knocked off the throne and are doing worse than right compared to the World Wide Web. Studies show that around 86 per cent of consumers first start search queries before they buy something.
Search engines have, therefore, developed into true top dogs and are where potential customers can be found. As a local business, it is, therefore, essential that you position your website so that it appears in the SERPs.
However, this is no easy task since you are not alone in your quest for success. Standing out against other local companies and using ranking factors to catapult yourself to the top of Google search results is important.
Google My Business optimization
Google is the most well-known search engine. Google always strives to improve its consumer experience. This is why Google My Business — GMB was developed. This free interface allows businesses to store company data through the management software and publish it on Google.
Relevant data, such as address, contact information and opening hours, is stored in the Google Business Profile. Adding pictures, upcoming events and customer reviews to the article increases the company’s attractiveness. A positive side effect is increasing visibility by constantly maintaining your GMB profile. After all, this offer is considered one of the strongest ranking factors by Google.
Complete information on company data (NAP)
NAP comprises the first letters of the English terms Name, Address and Phone Number. This data is regarded as essential company information of the highest relevance to customers. After all, NAP data contains all the information needed to be found, contacted and visited as a company.
As a result, you should make sure that these details match your website, Google My Business, and other platforms. Spin letters or a mixed appearance can confuse and drive your customers into the arms of the competition.
A good overall rating
While you can extensively inspect the products and services in a retail store, this luxury does not exist on the World Wide Web. Customers must give companies a bonus of trust and hope they are not deceived with lazy tricks. However, customer reviews are now a very effective remedy against rip-offs and fraud.
Thanks to contributions from former customers, potential clients can get an idea of companies. The experiences and reviews appear as results in the search engine and have a lasting influence on customers’ purchasing behaviour.
As a company, it is important to focus on these customer reviews. Because the contributions not only determine sales but also impact your reputation. And, of course, it won’t be possible to avoid that some customers disagree with your service or the content of your platform. However, through active and solution-oriented customer interaction, you show that customer satisfaction is a top priority for your company.
Local on-page optimization
Online marketing is primarily about advertising strategies. In contrast, local SEO focuses on meeting Google’s ranking factors to be eligible for local search terms. OnPage Optimization plays an essential role. These are measures that address the content of your site:
Keyword research: Keywords should be adapted to the purpose of search and search terms of prospective customers
Keyword placement: Keywords must be placed in prominent locations. For instance, in metadata in the H1 heading, some subheadings, as well as the last and first paragraphs of text
Unique content: Content that has added value to users
Structure: A clear structure for the site.
Integration of calls-to-action hyperlinks to subpages or landing pages
Mobile Optimization
Another step towards local visibility is Optimization for mobile devices. With the major Google Panda update in 2011, the famous search engine is implementing its planned mobile-only indexing. Today, customers no longer use computers but primarily smartphones, tablets and laptops to obtain information from the Internet. Making your website mobile-friendly makes you appeal to the modern zeitgeist and meet Google’s requirements.
Local landing pages for various locations
For businesses with multiple locations, a single site isn’t enough. More effective rankings can be obtained by establishing a separate website for every site. Of course, the 1×1 principle of Local SEO can also be applied to the pages that are individual Optimization of the page, correct NAP data and the integration of local keywords, calls to action, etc.
Backlinks and local links
The three factors that rank at the top also incorporate backlinks. External links are a sign of the quality of your website, its added worth and professionalism. They establish trust and show the authority and power of your site. The collection of backlinks from regional industry directories, cities, and news portals is an excellent option for a local-based business. Through the assistance of bloggers and influencers, the attention is also attracted to your products.
SEO success for your perfect local SEO
Local SEO is a great way to increase your site’s effectiveness and conversion rates! Our LocalSEOz team has worked on this subject for several years and comprises absolute professionals and enthusiastic marketers. You can reach your professional goals and expand your business further with our assistance.