As a local business, one of your biggest goals is to get found online by prospective customers in your area. While ranking organically on Google is nice, it's the local pack listings and local searches where you'll likely get better ROI from local customers. That's where local search engine optimization (SEO) comes into play.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO optimizes your online presence to rank better in Maps or local listings for geographic-specific searches. It helps local customers find your business for "near me" type searches on Google, like "dentist near me" or "restaurants in Rochester." Consumers are doing their research more than ever these days and if your business isn’t showing up in their search results, they aren’t coming to you.
The best thing you can do for your brand on social media is to be consistent and focus on high-quality content before anything else. Make sure to optimize your content for social media searches, making it easier for consumers to discover your brand and more likely to engage with your posts. This will help to rank your business higher over time.
What Can You Do to Rank Higher on Google in Local Search Results?
Claim Your Google Business Profile
Formerly called Google My Business, this free tool lets you take control of how your business appears on Google and Maps. Claiming and filling out your profile with complete data like your business name, address, phone number, hours, up-to-date photos, services and more is critical for local visibility. It also builds trust with potential customers, showing them you are a legitimate business and recent photos and information give them an idea of what to expect from your services.
Include Updated Information
Make sure all your information is consistent and up-to-date across all digital platforms, like your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). This plays a huge role in search ranking as Google scans any page with your information on it and if there are any discrepancies, it directly affects your ranking.
Utilize Online Directories
Getting listed on trusted online directories, like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Angie’s List, etc. can also help improve your ranking, especially in local packs. Online directories are also a great resource consumers use to read reviews that don’t come from your website, aiding in visibility and building trust among consumers. But, as we mentioned before, make sure your information is the same and correct across all platforms you list your business on. If your address changes or you get a new phone number, you will have to remember to update that information on every platform otherwise your ranking could take a hit.
Optimize Your On-Page Content for Search
Include relevant keywords in your content and don’t forget to add location-based keywords like your city, state, and general area. This will help Google find you and show your page when someone does a local search related to your business or industry. Keywords shouldn’t just be in your page content, though. Adding relevant keywords to meta descriptions, header tags, and alt text for any images you use is also important, but don’t overdo it. It should feel natural, not forced.
Manage Your Online Reviews
Positive reviews and a strong rating are factored into local search rankings. Make it easy for happy customers to leave feedback on your Google listing, and respond to any negative reviews proactively. Negative reviews are inevitable, but potential customers like to see this resolved, letting them know that if they have a bad experience with your business, you will make it right each time.
How Corporate Communications Can Help
Local SEO is an ongoing process and we are here to help! Our Local SEO experts understand the importance of a good local ranking and how it can drive foot traffic, leads, and revenue to your business. Contact us today for a custom SEO strategy.