What is local search and Local Search Optimization Techniques
If you are reading this blog post, you are probably running a small company and want to grow your business and attract more customers. It’s possible with the help of local SEO strategies and local search optimization.
Today, the web support team at Drudesk shares some valuable advice on local search engine optimization that will help you boost your online presence. Check it out!
What is local search?
A local search differs from the standard informational search, as it usually includes “near me” or a location name query. Today, Google can even distinguish the local intent of the search without the user specifying it and modifies results accordingly. For one, if you simply google “pizza” while having your GPS on, Google will offer you a list of pizza places available near you.
If you run a small local business, you definitely want to be displayed in Google's local search result pages. That’s where local SEO (search engine optimization) comes into play.
What is local search engine optimization?
Local search engine optimization (SEO) is a set of special methods and techniques to promote a small business online to local clients who are looking for similar services or products on the net. This is achieved with the help of some general SEO techniques, as well as local SEO tools.
Ways to Improve Your Local SEO Right Now
Here are some tips that will help you boost your local search engine optimization:
1. Register in Google My Business
Google My Business is a catalog of businesses where you can create a business profile for free. Usually, it appears in the top right of search results.
This block includes information like the services you provide, contact details, opening times, and more. It also shows the reviews from people who have already cooperated with you.
You have to constantly upgrade your Google Business account in order to provide the most relevant information to your customers. For this, you can use Google Posts within your profile or encourage your clients to share Google reviews.
2. Add location web pages
If you have more than one business location, you should create location pages with the appropriate information for each store. It should include:
- store name
- address
- open hours
- contact information
- testimonials
- promotions
- attached Google Maps
If you have only one store, you need to create the “About us” page with a description of your products or services.
You will also benefit a lot in terms of SEO if you integrate Google Maps with the location of your store to your website.
3. Make your platform mobile-friendly
A mobile-friendly website with responsive design is a must in our modern society, as more and more people are using their smartphones to surf the net, especially when they are on the go and using a search engine to find places “near me.” Ensure a positive mobile user experience by making your website mobile-friendly.
4. Create local content
Write about topics or news that appeal to the local audience. For instance, if you own a bakery, add the recipe of cinnamon rolls that customers can buy in your store. Regularly add pics from the events that take place in your store. Write about interesting things that have happened in your store over the last month.
5. Optimize your website for voice search
Voice search is especially popular among local searches, as people usually use voice search to find the nearest places or order something nearby. Don’t forget to optimize your website for voice search!
6. Use local-based keywords
When creating content for your website, use local-based keywords. Ask yourself, what do people usually type to find services or products like yours? After answering this question, you’ll be able to create content that is relevant to local customers.
One more tip: you can add city landmarks to your content. For one, if you own a restaurant near St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, use the keyword “dining by the St. Louis Cathedral.”
7. Be active on your business social media
Update your social media pages regularly, communicate with the customers, answer their questions or comments, and you’ll see how your business’s popularity grows!
8. Regularly update your company’s news
You can also display your company news in your GMB profile. These items will be visible under the information about your business in the right column in Google search. Users will see your recent updates and the chances that they will visit your platform to continue reading increase.
9. Add gifs to Google My Business photos
It is now possible to post gifs to GMB via mobile. This will definitely grab attention of those who use mobile phones to surf the net.
Improve your local SEO today!
Hopefully, these easy tips will help you improve your local search engine optimization, increase traffic to your platform, and, as a result, boost sales. You can also contact Drudesk for any kind of SEO services.