Local SEO is really important as it improves the visibility of your business to local searchers. If you’re wondering just how important it is, remember that a massive 46% of all Google searches are made with local intent. With the billions of Google searches that are made every day, you need to make sure you’re staying on top of your Local SEO.

What is Local SEO?

Before we get into how to create a Local SEO strategy, we need to question what Local SEO actually is. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation and so Local SEO is a marketing technique that aims to boost your online presence, making it more visible in search results. You want your business to have good rankings within those local search results so you can increase website traffic and in turn, sales.

Creating a Local SEO Strategy

So, where do you start when creating a Local SEO strategy? There are many different aspects to Local SEO strategies so we’re going to run through some of the major parts…

Keyword research

This involves choosing specific keywords which target the content in your website. Using suitable and relevant keywords will improve your site’s ranking and therefore visibility, which again will help to increase footfall.

Ask yourself questions when deciding which keywords to use to make sure they are appropriate:

  • What are people looking for? (Make this question relevant to your business)
  • How many people are looking for this?
  • Where are they looking for it?

Optimise your website

When you have determined which keywords you need to use, you need to update your webpages so that they reflect that. Google recommends putting different topics, products, or services on different pages, one topic (or closely related set of items) per page.

You also need to ensure that your site lists everything you have to offer so search engines can reflect that. Keep website content up to date and try and be topical – follow trends!

Local citations

If you’re asking yourself ‘what are local citations?’ then don’t worry. Local citations are simply any online mention of your business, whether that’s your business’ name, address or phone number. You can find local citations in local directories, social media and maps.

Any local citations will benefit Local SEO, especially because the more visibility your business has, the more reliable it appears. Things like reviews are also really important to encourage. Not only will your visibility boost, but your business’ reputation improves if people can see that people are happy with their experience. Just make sure you respond well to any negative criticism and your reputation stays on top!

Success with Local SEO

A successful Local SEO strategy will increase your rankings. The ultimate goal is to rank in the top 3 local results, which means your business will be shown on the map with locations of the best 3 results along with their contact details. Local SEO efforts are by no means short-term, but when a relevant and suitable plan is devised, it will only benefit your business’ online visibility, which increases website traffic and in turn increases sales.

How can we help?

We understand how important Local SEO is but we also know that it is really time consuming and a big, ongoing job. With our Local SEO packages, we can help to relieve this pressure and boost your business’ online presence. Our Google Business Profile Management Packages ensure that your Google Business Profile stays relevant, accurate and up to date.

So, if you want to get more local customers and you’re not sure how to start, get in touch or give us a call on 01706 482017 to find out how Shine On Digital can help.