If your business has a physical location (store, restaurant, office, etc) and does not have Local SEO, you could be missing out on a lot of potential foot traffic and revenue. Nearly half of all Google searches are localized. Of those searches, over 70% convert directly to foot traffic. That’s why it’s more important now than ever to get your business on-board with Local SEO.
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO helps businesses increase their online presence within the communities they serve. For example, if a person in Chicago, Illinois is looking for somewhere to eat breakfast, they will likely google, “breakfast near me” or “breakfast in Chicago.” Google will then pull up results localized to the Chicago area that serve breakfast. Restaurants that rank higher with Local SEO will have the highest visibility among local audiences.
Local SEO isn’t as simple as regular SEO. To get local visibility, your business needs to be on top of its web presence. First and for most, your business needs a website. Once you have a website, you need to incorporate Local SEO. Here are a few ways you can optimize your business’ website for Local SEO.
Google My Business
Google My Business (GMB) is the most important aspect of Local SEO. Most searchers find businesses through GMB. In order for your business to come up higher in local rankings, make sure you claim your business with GMB. When searchers do a localized search, businesses claimed with GMB are the results that they will see first. If your business isn’t registered with GMB, it will get pushed to the bottom of the results. And if you don’t have any other Local SEO, your business won’t show up at all in the search results.
Claiming your business with GMB is especially important with so many searchers using mobile devices. Mobile devices only show businesses that are claimed with GMB and fully optimized for Local SEO.
Other Aspects of Local SEO
There are a few other aspects of Local SEO that are going to be important for community visibility. Doing these things can help boost your website’s search engine ranking:
- Optimize your homepage/landing page to display accurate business location information.
- Make sure all online information about your business is accurate (hours, location, menu, etc.)
- Respond to any bad reviews in a timely and professional manner.
Doing each of these things, in addition with GMB, will help increase your business’ local ranking and visibility.
Professionally Managed Local SEO
If you want to increase your businesses foot traffic and revenue, we can help. Our experienced professionals can manage and optimize your businesses online presence for Local SEO. By making sure all of your business’ online information is accurate and using important Local SEO tactics, we can help you bring in more business. Our Local SEO services are effective in getting your business noticed by the right audience. Contact us today for a free quote!