Considering that 30% of global consumers use search engines to find products, businesses must establish a strong online presence. On the other hand, 21% of US consumers find a local business daily through online search. Thus, showing the importance of optimizing your eCommerce website for local SEO.
Local SEO helps search engine users find business who offer related products or services nearby. At the same time, local SEO strategies help businesses appear at the top of search results, which helps potential customers easily find them.
For a small business or a start-up, your local customers are key to propelling your business to success. This is why we aim to help you get a solid understanding of local SEO to help your business grow.
So, let’s go.
What is local SEO?
Local SEO, or Local Search Engine Optimization, is a technique to improve a website’s visibility in local search results. It targets customers that look for products or services nearby.
Search engines like Google or Yahoo deliver the most relevant local results based on your location. This helps your business appear prominently in these local searches. This results in more online and foot traffic into your business.
How is local SEO different from global SEO?
Local SEO and Global SEO are similar in many ways, and only differ in their focus and objectives. Here are the key differences between local SEO and SEO:
Target audience
Global SEO improves a website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) on a broader scale, targeting audiences from all around the world.
On the other hand, local SEO focuses on targeting customers within a specific area, such as a city or region.
Geographic focus
Local SEO optimizes a business’s online presence to rank higher in local results, such as appearing in the local pack (the map-based results) and Google Maps listings to attract customers searching for products or services in their immediate vicinity.
Global SEO, on the other hand, is not limited to a specific area and attracts a more audiences regardless of their location.
Keywords
Local SEO uses location-specific keywords to match the local intent of users’ searches. For example, it targets keywords like “bakery in [city name]” or “plumber near me.”
Global SEO, on the other hand, focuses on broader keywords that may not have a specific location component.
Google Business Profile
Previously known as Google My Business (GMB), Google Business Profile is a free tool provided by Google that lets businesses manage their online information, including their address, contact information, hours of operation, and customer reviews.
Global SEO, on the other hand, doesn’t rely on GBP.
Local citations and directories
Local SEO involves creating and managing citations on relevant local directories, industry-specific websites, and review platforms. These citations include the business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) which helps search engines validate your business’s location and improve its visibility in local results.
Global SEO may also involve building citations, but the focus is often on a broader range of directories and platforms.
Competition
Local SEO is highly competitive as businesses vie for visibility among local competitors. The competition is more localized and specific to the targeted area.
Global SEO, on the other hand, faces competition on a broader scale as businesses aim to rank for competitive keywords on a national or global level.
Where to find local search results
Local pack (map pack)
The local pack appears at the top of the search engine results page (SERP) for location-based searches. It usually displays a map with the top three local business listings relevant to the search query. Each listing includes the business name, address, phone number, and ratings.
Organic search results
Local search results may also appear in the organic search listings below the local pack. Local SEO efforts can help businesses appear higher in the organic search results for location-specific queries.
Google Maps
When users search for local businesses on Google Maps or use the Google Maps app, the search results will display local businesses in the area. These results are typically shown as pins on the map, where users click on to view more details about every business. It’s a convenient way for anyone to find nearby businesses, access directions, contact information, and customer reviews.
Google Business Profile
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is a crucial part of local SEO. When users search for a specific business name or relevant keywords, the Google Business Profile appears on the right-hand side of the search results. It includes essential information about the business, such as address, phone number, website, hours of operation, photos, and customer reviews.
What are local SEO services
Local SEO services are professional services that focus on improving a business’s visibility and rankings in local search results.
These services employ various strategies and techniques to optimize and attract targeted traffic through local searches.
Why are local SEO services important for your business
Increases visibility in local searches
Consumers use search engines to find local businesses.
SEO services optimize your online presence to ensure your business appears first on related search queries. This increases your online visibility and improves your chances of driving online and foot traffic – both of which help you improve your conversion rates.
Targets local customers
Local SEO allows you to focus your marketing efforts on an area where your target audience is located.
By optimizing your website and online listings for local keywords, you target users who are more likely to become leads or customers. This approach helps you maximize marketing efforts and reach the right audience.
Helps gain a competitive advantage
Gain a competitive edge by optimizing your online presence, improving your rankings, and showcasing your business’s unique selling points.
By appearing higher in local results and having an optimized Google Business Profile listing, you increase your chances of being chosen by potential customers over your competitors.
Builds trust and credibility
Build trust and credibility with your local audience. When your business appears in searches locally, it signals users that you are a legitimate and reputable business in their area.
Positive online reviews, consistent business information, and a well-optimized online presence all contribute to building trust with potential customers. All these help in increasing their confidence in choosing your business.
Mobile optimization
With the rise in mobile usage, local searches have become even more prevalent. People often search for local businesses using their smartphones.
These SEO services ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for mobile users by optimizing your website and online listings for mobile devices.
Cost-effective marketing
As a small or local business, you’ll want to save money through cost-effective marketing strategies. Compared to traditional advertising methods, like print ads or billboards, local SEO offers a higher return on investment.
By targeting customers who are actively searching for your products or services in your area, you’re likely to spend less on your marketing budget without compromising its efficiency and lead quality.
Why do I need local SEO services?
For a local business owner, we know that you might be confused on where to start on your local SEO efforts. To work around this, you might think of hiring local SEO services to set your best foot forward. So, let’s look into what getting an expert can bring to your business. We’ve listed down key advantages of getting your local SEO efforts from professional service providers:
Get their expertise and knowledge
Local SEO service providers have in-depth knowledge and understanding of local search algorithms, best practices, and industry trends. Their expertise lets them develop effective strategies tailored to your specific business and target audience. Through their knowledge, you can get ahead of your local competitors.
Save on time and resource
Implementing local SEO strategies is time-consuming and requires dedicated resources. By hiring local SEO services, you can save valuable time and allocate resources more efficiently. The service provider handles the technical aspects of SEO, keyword research, on-page optimization, managing citations, and other tasks, allowing you to focus on running your business.
Customize your SEO strategies
Local SEO services provide personalized strategies that align with your business goals. They analyze your industry, competitors, and customer behavior to create a successful local SEO strategy to improve your online visibility and generate quality traffic. These strategies ensure that your business stands out in local search results and reaches the right audience.
Access advanced SEO tools and technology
Local SEO service providers have access to advanced tools and technology that facilitate effective SEO implementation. These SEO tools can help with keyword research, competitor analysis, tracking performance, and monitoring online reputation. By utilizing these tools, service providers can provide accurate insights and make data-driven decisions to optimize your local SEO efforts.
Get consistent monitoring and updates
Local SEO is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adjustments. Service providers regularly track your website’s performance, keyword rankings, and local search trends. They proactively make updates and optimizations to ensure your online presence remains relevant and competitive.
By staying up to date with algorithm changes and industry developments, they can keep your business ahead of the curve.
Manage your online reputation
Local SEO services often include online reputation management. They help you manage online reviews, respond to customer feedback, and address any negative sentiments. By actively managing your online reputation, service providers can enhance your credibility and trustworthiness, ultimately driving more customers to choose your business.
Easily measure your results and ROI
Professional local SEO services provide measurable results and insights into the impact of their strategies. They track key performance indicators such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, click-through rates, and conversion rates.
These metrics allow you to assess the effectiveness of your SEO efforts and measure the return on investment (ROI) of your marketing spend.
What is a local SEO specialist?
A local SEO specialist is a seasoned professional adept at enhancing a business’s online visibility within a specific geographic area. We excel in clarifying this concept for you.
Picture them as navigators of the digital map, ensuring your business stands out when users search for local products or services. Our expertise helps you comprehend their role as the bridge between your brand and potential local customers.
Local SEO specialists are skilled in tailoring strategies that boost your presence on search engines, online directories, and mapping apps. Think of them as architects who construct the digital blueprint that ensures your business is easily discoverable by individuals in your vicinity.
A local SEO specialist doesn’t have to be someone in your area. Our team of experts is the perfect example of being able to master a local SEO project from afar.
What does a local SEO specialist do?
A local SEO specialist is a professional who specializes in optimizing on improving a business’s online presence in local search results. They target local traffic and customers to the business’s website or physical location.
They conduct thorough keyword research, optimize the business’ Google Business Profile, ensure accurate and consistent NAP information across directories and platforms, build local links, manage citations and a business’ online reputation.
Network Solutions’s small business SEO solutions offer a combination of on-page optimization, off-page optimization, technical optimization, content marketing, and keyword research. Each SEO strategy is tailored to your specific needs and online goals.
Our SEO experts are up to date with the best practices in the industry. Thus, allowing them to provide you with a competitive edge over your competition.
7 local SEO tactics that boosts visibility and revenue
Tactic 1. Google My Business/Google Business Profile optimization
Optimizing and managing the Google Business Profile listing to ensure accurate and up-to-date information about the business, such as address, phone number, business hours, and customer reviews.
Additionally, Google Business Profile allows businesses to manage and respond to customer reviews, which greatly influences local reputation and customer trust. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, you can significantly improve your chances of appearing in the local pack, organic search results, and Google Maps, increasing their visibility and driving targeted traffic to your physical location or website
Tactic 2. Local keyword research
Ensure that your business is effectively targeting the right audience and increase your chances of improving your local search presence.
By conducting local keyword research, you can identify the specific words and phrases that local customers use in their Google search for products or services. This helps optimize your website content, meta tags, and other on-page elements to align with these targeted keywords.
For example, when you incorporate location-specific keywords, such as “plumber in [city name]” or “best restaurants near [location],” you can improve your local search visibility.
Tactic 3. On-page optimization
By optimizing various elements on your website, businesses send clear signals to search engines about their relevance and geographic targeting. You can do this by optimizing your website’s page titles, meta descriptions, headings, and content with location-specific keywords.
On-page optimization also involves optimizing your website loading speed, improving mobile responsiveness, and enhancing user experience.
Tactic 4. Online reviews and reputation management
Get the opportunity to build trust and credibility among your audience by encouraging customers to leave reviews, responding to their reviews (whether positive and negative), and monitoring and addressing any reputation issues.
Positive reviews not only influence potential customers’ decision-making but also signal to search engines that the business is reputable.
Tactic 5. NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Ensuring consistent and accurate business information, particularly the name, address, and phone number (NAP), across all online platforms, including the website, directories, and social media profiles. This consistency helps Google understand and verify the business’s location.
Tactic 6. Local citations and business directories
Local citations refer to the mentions of your name, address, and phone number (NAP) on various online platforms such as directories, review sites, and local business listings. These citations provide potential customers with essential contact information and also send signals to search engines that validate your business location and relevance.
Local directories serve as valuable sources of information for users looking for local businesses. You can enhance your local SEO efforts by ensuring consistent and accurate citations across relevant directories and platforms, businesses.
Tactic 7. Local link building
By obtaining links from local websites, local directories, and industry-specific platforms, businesses can strengthen their local relevance and authority. These local backlinks act as endorsements to the business, indicating to search rankings that it is a credible authority in a niche.
Local link building can include tactics such as partnering with local organizations, sponsoring local events, or getting featured in local news publications to establish a strong local online presence and position the business as a trusted and prominent player within its local community.
What to consider when choosing a local SEO service provider
If you’re new to Local SEO and plan to hire Local SEO experts. Of course, you’d avoid hiring the wrong people. Last thing you want is waste your time, money, and efforts for making the mistake. To choose the right service provider, consider the following factors:
Expertise and experience
Look for a service provider with expertise and a proven track record in local SEO. Check their experience in working with businesses in your industry and their success stories with local clients. An experienced provider will have the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of local search algorithms and deliver effective results.
Services offered
Assess the range of services offered by the provider. Local SEO involves various components, such as Google Business Profile optimization, on-page optimization, local citations, online reputation management, and more. Ensure that the service provider offers a comprehensive set of services that align with your business needs and goals.
Customized approach
Each business is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not yield the best results. Look for a service provider that offers customized strategies tailored to your specific business, target audience, and local market. A personalized approach ensures that your SEO efforts are optimized to meet your goals.
Transparency and communication
Transparency and effective communication are crucial when working with an SEO service provider. Ensure that they provide clear and transparent reporting on the progress and results of their efforts. They must have regular communication channels, so you stay informed about your local SEO campaign’s status. This way, you can also provide feedback or ask questions.
References and reviews
Request reviews from previous clients to gauge the provider’s reputation and reliability. Reading online reviews and ratings can also provide insights into what to expect. This information helps you make a decision and assess their ability to deliver quality services.
Local market knowledge
Consider whether the service provider has a good understanding of your local market. Local SEO requires a deep understanding of the local target audience, search trends, and competition. SEO experts in your target location can devise effective strategies to maximize your local visibility.
Ethical practices
Ensure that the service provider follows ethical SEO practices and adheres to search engine guidelines. Avoid providers that engage in black hat techniques, such as keyword stuffing or buying low-quality backlinks, as these practices can have repercussions from search engines.
Pricing structure
Evaluate the pricing structure and determine if it aligns with your budget and expected return on investment. Compare the pricing of different providers, keeping in mind the value they offer in terms of expertise, services they provide, and expectations. Remember that quality SEO services require an investment, so be wary of providers offering unusually low prices.
Climb local search rankings with Network Solutions’s SEO service
Local SEO services are essential to attract customers within your local area. By optimizing various search ranking factors, you can significantly improve your visibility in local search results. Let Network Solutions’s SEO experts unlock the immense potential of local search to your business.
Whether you are a small business owner or a large company, understanding and leveraging local SEO services is vital for succeeding in the highly competitive local market.
