Did you know that 46% of all internet searches have local intent?
Your customers are online searching for products and services in your local area. Whether your company comes up in their searches is down to your efforts with SEO and local SEO.
But what is local SEO and how can you use it to effectively drum up more trade for your business?
Here are some local SEO tips to help you propel your business forward.
What Is Local SEO?
Local search engine optimization (SEO) is an important aspect of your SEO strategy. It’s especially relevant to businesses that have a physical location or are reliant on local customers finding their businesses online.
One of the benefits of local SEO is that it shows web users relevant companies operating within their area.
Local SEO can give you a competitive edge. There are several key factors affecting your ranking position. These include local keywords, customer reviews, and name, address, and phone numbers.
1. Claim Your Business Listings
One of the most important things you can do for your local SEO strategies is to claim your business listings. This means heading to sites like Yelp and filling in your details so that people will be able to find your business when looking for local businesses.
There are countless local business listings sites, and it pays to be listed on as many as possible.
2. Make Sure Your NAP Is Consistent
Some local SEO mistakes that many people make include not making sure their name, address, and phone number (NAP) details are consistently listed across all sites.
When your NAP details vary across different listings, it can cause confusion for the search engine which doesn’t know which is the correct information to display. This can, in turn, affect your ranking position.
3. Add Local Pages to Your Site
If you have pages that are geared toward your local area on your site, they’ll appear on searches for your type of business in your area.
Create pages that are focused on the type of service that you offer and the area that you’re offering it in. For instance, you may wish to have a page about New York HVAC repairs if you run an HVAC repair company in New York.
4. Sign Up for Google My Business
Perhaps the mother of all listings sites is Google My Business (GMB). But being listed here comes with additional benefits. If you want to be included on Google maps, and in the Google Local Pack at the top of any local search, you’ll want to list yourself on GMB.
As with other listings, make sure that your NAP is consistent.
Local SEO Tips to Grow Your Small Business
To drive your local SEO, you need to get your business listed on as many business listings sites as possible. In addition to this, make sure your NAP is consistent and set up local pages on your website.
By taking in these local SEO tips, you’ll be able to drive traffic to your business.
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