Local SEO is different than SEO and businesses often get confused between the technicalities of these two. We have had many local business owners come to us and say that in spite of their SEO doing well globally, they still are not getting enough customer attention. Local SEO focuses on optimizing your website in order to improve visibility in your geographic area.
Over 46% of local searches are local and 97% searched online to find a local business! These statistics explain why your business’ local visibility is important. Below, we’ve collected some important local SEO tips that you can use to stay ahead of your competitors in 2019. You can also hire Local SEO services to boost your business’ local visibility.
Before moving on to tips, let’s have a look at local ranking factors of search engines like Google.
Top Local Ranking Factors You Should Know
In the attempt to improve its user experience, Google keeps updating its local ranking algorithm. Here are a few important factors that businesses can use for improved local visibility.
- Distance
How far is your business’ registered address from the searcher? Proximity is one of the top local ranking factors.
- Customer Reviews/Ratings
Customer ratings and reviews show that a business is real. Google uses these signals, mentions, and other citations to determine the authenticity of a business.
- GMB Signals
Make sure you register your business on Google My Business under the right category with every small detail. Google uses the GMB signals of your business to understand your niche and categorizes it accordingly.
Top 3 Local SEO Tips For Your Business In 2019
- Business Directories
This is an important one. Local business listings (not just Google) account for a strong citation value to search engines. Register your business in local listings people trust on such as Yelp, Citysearch, Mantra, etc. Make sure the name, address, and phone number of your business are exactly the same on every platform. “Xyz Digital” is not the same as “xyz Digital” for search engines. Don’t list just for your local SEO and make citations through these listings look natural to search engines. You can also use link building services to receive quality backlinks and citations for your business.
- Meta Descriptions and Title Tags
The black rectangle shows title tags and the green one show meta descriptions. Make sure that every web page of your website has an apt meta description optimized with location-based keywords (and contact number, if relevant). Write a short crisp summary as meta description (150 – 170 words) along with relevant business details. Tip: Don’t overdo it or it will start to look spammy.
- Google My Business
If you haven’t registered your local business on Google My Business, you are already very late to the party. Register your business on GMB today with every small detail such as NAP (Name, Address, Phone), working hours, working days, website, industry, etc. You can also register your business on Google Maps through GMB. you consumers can also review your business and local reviews matter a lot for your business. 97% of your consumers read local reviews before calling/visiting your business.
These are just a few suggestions that can help your business to make significant progress in its local visibility. Make your website fast and mobile friendly. Most of your consumers come looking for contact information, so make sure that your phone number is easily accessible on your website.
Local Business Marketing Solutions (LBMS), LLC is a Local SEO company and has years of experience in helping local businesses to boost their local visibility. Curious to know more? Call at 888-416-7752 or fill in this form to reach out to us today!
