The 10 Best Ways To Improve Your Local SEO

Local SEO is crucial for small businesses operating on a regional scale rather than nationally. Unlike national SEO, which focuses on ranking across the country, local SEO Oceanside aims to appear in search engine results pages (SERPs) for a specific geographic location. This approach targets local leads and customers, ensuring that your brand, products, and services are visible to the people most likely to use them.

Optimizing your local SEO can significantly increase website traffic, leads, and conversions. This strategy allows small businesses to compete effectively against larger national brands that have extensive resources. By focusing on local SEO tactics, you can level the playing field against bigger brands that rely on broad keywords and brand recognition rather than local relevance.

Moreover, 35% of all search traffic is local, according to a 2017 ReviewTrackers’ study. Without local SEO, your business could be missing out on a substantial amount of traffic.

Here are the top 10 strategies to enhance your local SEO success.

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Creating and optimizing your Google Business Profile is essential for higher visibility on Google Maps and local search results. To manage and optimize your Business Profile, you need a Google My Business account linked to that profile. Once you provide all necessary information in your Google My Business dashboard, it populates your Business Profile, which appears in local search results, the Google Search Knowledge Panel, and Google Maps. To optimize your Business Profile, ensure that you:

• Create and verify a Google Business account.
• Provide accurate and up-to-date information.
• Include your logo, hours of operation, accepted payment methods, products or services, and plenty of images.
• Encourage customers to leave online reviews.
• Respond genuinely to customer reviews.
• Publish posts about products, events, and special offers using the Google My Business dashboard.

2. Encourage Customer Reviews

Positive reviews not only enhance your Google My Business presence but also attract more local customers. According to BrightLocal’s 2017 Local Consumer Review Survey, 85% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. To encourage reviews:

• Ask for reviews in person after a sale.
• Send follow-up emails or texts asking for reviews after ensuring customer satisfaction through an internal survey.
• Respond professionally to all reviews, thanking reviewers and addressing any complaints.

3. Optimize for Voice Search

Voice search is growing rapidly, making it essential to optimize for how people ask questions verbally. Voice searches often use long-tail keywords and a more conversational tone. To optimize for voice search:

• Focus on long-tail keywords.
• Use natural language that mimics how people speak.
• Address user intent by providing quick and useful answers to common questions.

4. Create Content Around Local News and Events

Creating content related to local news, events, or issues can capture local customers’ attention. Strategies include:

• Writing blog posts about local news, activities, or events.
• Producing videos about local charities or causes your business supports.
• Developing location-specific webpages with high-quality local content.

For example, a local real estate business could create separate pages for each location with hyperlocal content about the local real estate market.

5. Optimize Your Website for Mobile

Mobile optimization is crucial as more people use mobile devices to search online. A 2018 Stone Temple study found that mobile visits to websites increased from 57% in 2016 to 63% in 2017. Moreover, 75% of local searches on mobile devices result in in-store visits within 24 hours, according to Acquisio. Tips for mobile optimization:

• Ensure your website loads quickly (under three seconds).
• Use large, readable fonts.
• Use minimal images and copy to convey essential information.
• Create an intuitive user interface for a great user experience.

6. Target Local Keywords

Your keywords should be relevant to local customers. Use Google’s Keyword Planner to filter keyword searches based on location and identify popular search terms in your area. Incorporate these local keywords into your site’s meta content, copy, and URLs.

Also, mention local landmarks and hotspots in your content. For instance, if your restaurant is in downtown Seattle, include references to “dining by the Space Needle.”

7. Create Location Pages or a Location-Specific “About Us” Page

If your business has multiple locations, create a separate page for each one. These pages should include:

• Store hours.
• Name, address, and phone number.
• Individualized descriptions.
• Testimonials.
• Promotions.
• Parking availability.
• Google Maps links.

If you have a single location, create an “About Us” page with local information. For example, a florist could mention their involvement in local parades or events.

8. Utilize Online Business Directories

Listing your business on online directories like Yelp, Foursquare, MapQuest, and YellowPages can boost your local SEO. Ensure your business information is consistent across all directories, including:

• Business name.
• Address and phone number.
• A backlink to your website.
• A thorough description of your business.

9. Focus on High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks from reputable sites are crucial for local SEO. According to Moz’s 2017 Local Search Ranking Factors study, link signals are among the most important factors for local pack and localized organic results. To obtain high-quality backlinks:

• Create valuable content that others want to link to.
• Guest blog on reputable sites with high domain authority.
• Engage with local influencers to earn backlinks.

10. Create Dedicated Pages for Each Product or Service

Avoid lumping all your products or services onto a single page. Instead, create individual pages for each product or service. This approach enhances your SEO by establishing your brand as an authority in specific areas.

For businesses with multiple locations but a single service, use location-based copy. For instance, instead of just “dental marketing,” use “New York dental marketing” or “Buffalo dental marketing.”

Conclusion

SEO evolves rapidly, with new features constantly being introduced by Google. Staying on top of local SEO Irvine ensures your business capitalizes on lucrative local searches and maintains a strong foundation when new features arise. If you lack the time or expertise to make these adjustments, consider a local SEO audit or hiring a small business SEO service provider.