If you operate a business that depends on local customers like a coffee shop, dentist, auto repairer, or boutique then you need to invest in local SEO. Why? Around 78% of all local mobile searches and more than 46% of all Google searches are for local information.
Local SEO helps businesses rank in localized search queries or “near me” searches and reap visibility on Google Maps and, more importantly, in their local community.
Let’s take a look at 5 steps that can help you to masterlocal SEO.
Step 1: Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile serves as your online storefront.This is often what potential customers see first when searching for businesses like yours.
Here’s how to optimize it:
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Claim and verify your listing at google.com/business.
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Fill out all fields completely, including business name, address, phone number (NAP), website, hours, services, and description.
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Choose the right categories and subcategories.
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Upload high-quality photos of your products, team, or location.
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Enable messaging so customers can reach out easily.
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Post updates regularly, including offers, events, or news.
Pro Tip:
You should make an effort to get happy customers to leave reviews and always reply to them. Even the not-so-great reviews deserve a response. Google is viewing engagement as a sign of active businesses.
Step 2: Use Consistent NAP Information Everywhere
Every online platform must contain your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) consistently. This comprises your site, social handles, online directories (like Yelp or Bing Places), and data aggregators.
Tips for NAP consistency:
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Use the exact same format (e.g., “St.” vs. “Street”) on all platforms.
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Use resources like Moz Local, Whitespark, or BrightLocal to audit your web listings on a regular basis.
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Fix any duplicates or outdated information.
Why it matters:
Search engines use NAP data to validate your business’s legitimacy and location. Consistency builds trust.
Step 3: Target Local Keywords with High Intent
If you want to appear for the right searches, you need to understand what your audience is searching for. From there, you can create content that targets those local queries.
Start with keyword research:
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Use a variety of keyword research tools, such as Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, and Google Keyword Planner.
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Pay attention to long-tail keywords that contain your location. For example:
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“best pizza restaurant in [City]”
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“emergency plumber near me”
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“affordable hair salon [Neighborhood]”
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- Further, optimize for those keywords.
- Make use of them in your page’s title, meta title, meta description, headings and throughout your content.
- Don’t do keyword stuffing.
Bonus Tip:
Make landing pages for every area you work in. This is useful for service businesses that cover many cities.
Step 4: Build Local Citations and Backlinks
Citations refer to when your business is mentioned on other websites, even if they don’t link back to you. Consider them as your digital references for credibility.
Links from other websites to yours called backlinks are an important local and organic SEO ranking factor.
How to get more local citations?
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Submit your business to reputable directories like:
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Yelp
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YellowPages
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Bing Places
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Apple Maps
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- Use local data aggregators like Factual and Acxiom to expand reach.
How to earn local backlinks?
- Partner with local influencers or bloggers.
- Get mentioned on charity websites by sponsoring community events or charities.
- Create guest articles for nearby news organizations or commerce chambers.
- Make guides, maps, and event roundups that people want to share.
Pro Tip:
If Google sees more local signals looking in your business, the more it is confident to show you for location-based searches.
Step 5: Encourage and Manage Online Reviews
Reviews are the lifeblood of local SEO. Building social proof, they also serve as a ranking signal for Google.
BrightLocal revealed that 87 percent of people look at online reviews for local businesses. The majority trust them like their recommendations.
How to get more reviews?
- Ask! After a service, always send them a follow-up email or text asking for feedback.
- Connect your website review, email signature, and receipts.
- You can give optional small incentives like discounts for their next visit.
Managing reviews
- Respond to every review, positive or negative.
- Keep your tone professional and appreciative.
- Use feedback to improve your service.
Bonus Tip
Replying to reviews help establish trust and gives Google more content for your Google Business Profile which Google loves.
Conclusion:
Local SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just 5 steps can enhance your visibility, drive foot traffic, and win against local racers who aren’t watching.
Let’s recap:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile.
- Ensure consistent NAP details across the web.
- Use location-targeted keywords.
- Build citations and local backlinks.
- Encourage and manage online reviews.
The best part? Many of these steps do not require a lot of money. Instead, they need a time commitment. Also, you must be consistent with them. And, maybe a bit of strategy.
If you begin implementing these ideas now, your rankings and revenue will grow!
