John Clarke, Managing Partner of Moving Traffic Media, PPC, Display, SEO Services in White Plains, NY.
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Want to know the secret to organic search results? Getting to the top of them is pretty easy. In fact, if your ranking isn’t high, you’re almost certainly missing something in your local Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
It’s not that I didn’t try. Instead, they may not realize how important some simple things are.
So, if you’re ready to fix your local SEO pain points, start here.
1. Don’t forget the basics
Here are some of the key ingredients for establishing a solid foundation for your online business.
choose your name wisely
When choosing a name for your business, think seriously about how it will or will not appear in search engines.
Let’s say you run a beauty and cosmetics store called The Tool Box. Sure, the name is clever and catchy, but it’s more likely to come up in searches for Hammer than mascara.
Also, location-based names can inadvertently kill your local SEO strategy. “Santa Fe Body Shop” will show up in searches based in Santa Fe, but not in nearby towns. So resist the urge to put your location in the business name.
location, location, location
Many local businesses have completely run out of small office space or their owners’ homes. Use search directories and be honest about your address, even if it means sending information only to people who can keep their address private.
Penalties can be imposed for forging a company address, and a PO Box as an online company address will not fly either.
directory update
You should regularly check the most popular directories of business entries to ensure that all information is consistent.
Inconsistent information erodes rankings and customer trust.
Claim your GMB page
Claiming your Google My Business (GMB) page only takes 10 minutes, but it’s the single biggest factor in ensuring your business ranks highly in Google’s local SEO results.
2. Optimize your website for local traffic
Most people research your business online before heading out to your location. Here are some key strategies for achieving local SEO success.
Rethinking the multisite approach
A large company may operate multiple web pages for different locations, services, or product types. But you are not competing with them. You are competing with other local businesses. Having multiple sites can weaken your local SEO results. Moreover, it can be confusing and even seem unfaithful to customers.
be careful with the content
72% of marketers say content creation is the most effective SEO tactic. High-quality, relevant, and consistent content generates traffic, increases brand awareness on social media, and delivers value to your community. The point is, it has to be really high quality, relevant, and consistent. Aim to publish new content for your audience at least every week.
3. Reviews are mandatory
Having online reviews is important for local SEO. Google considers reviews in its rankings, and reviews are one of the first things prospects look for.
Most people check reviews of a business and decide whether to visit based on the number and quality of reviews. Many people trust reviews they see online more than recommendations from people they know.
If you want more reviews, check the listed directory to see if there are any rules about asking for reviews. For example, Google is happy to oblige, but other companies are not. Encourage reviews on social media. From there, ask your customers for honest reviews and, where appropriate, offer incentives to get them to participate.
You want a review that advertises everything about your business, but you don’t want it to come across as dishonest. whatever you do do not do Pay for reviews. Not only will savvy consumers spot these in an instant, but the rapid influx of reviews can also look suspicious to the platforms that support you.
4. Optimize for mobile
Mobile users are more likely to search for local businesses they plan to visit. Also, 61% of her mobile users are more likely to contact a business if the site is mobile her friendly.
A mobile-friendly site is a page that mobile users access and loads fast-loading digestible content, meaning that visitors can easily contact you through tap-to-call functionality or accessible driving directions.
And your SEO strategy should align with how mobile consumers search, including local search, long-tail search, and voice-specific keywords.
Conclusion
What happens when you start focusing on the areas of your local SEO strategy that really matter? Generate more leads, generate more conversions, and establish yourself as a valuable player in the local economy.
