How Local SEO Can Impact
Your Business
By: Michael Johnson
Welcome to the Resolve Tactical Tutorial Series! Previously, we reviewed Keyword Research and how businesses can utilize it to discover what audiences are actually and consistently searching for. Now let’s discuss Local SEO, the Google Map Pack, and how to rank in it!
When you search Google to include a specific city or region, your view may look similar to this when the results preview. It’s commonly referred to as the “map pack” result. How can you help your business rank better? We’ve got some great steps below to help guide you through!
What is Local SEO?
Local SEO is a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that helps your business be more visible on search results on Google in a local area or region. Any business that has a physical location or serves a geographic area can benefit from local SEO. However, Local SEO works in a different pattern than traditional SEO.
After many years of research, Google recognized that people searching for a certain type of business usually look in their immediate area. This is why Google has a local search algorithm that includes a proximity factor. This means Google factors in your location when you search for a local keyword or phrase. Results even show when the searcher doesn’t include a city name. Generally, results will appear with “near me” on the page.
Local SEO has been around for years, but it was limited due to people only using their desktop computers. However, we are now more mobile than ever. The amount of cell phone users who search for resources in your area has skyrocketed in recent years. Local SEO is significantly important for the success of any business offering local or regional products or services.
Step One: Create your Google My Business Listing
The first thing that you’re going to need to do is to optimize your Google My Business listing (GMB). A listing should look similar to this:
Here’s what you’ll want to do:
Category:
Make sure you’ve got the correct category for your business.
Description:
Have a detailed description of what your business provides. Include keywords that people might use to search for you. Refer back to our keyword research tutorial for tips on what keywords to use.
Reviews:
Positive reviews make the world go ‘round! Google wants to highlight companies that have a great reputation. Google Reviews is the best way to demonstrate that.
Images & Videos:
Don’t just tell, SHOW! People want to see your business, your team, your products, and your services. Add photos and images to provide the best reflection of your company or business.
When, Where, How:
Include current hours for your business. Link to your website. And always confirm that the address on your site is consistent with how it’s listed on GMB.
Work towards getting listed in as many directories as possible. This will help reinforce the accuracy of your GMB listing. This also ensures Google trusts that you’re a legitimate business and located where you’ve designated.
Tactical Tip:
Make sure the Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) match what is on your site and your Google My Business profile.
Tactical Tip:
Make sure the Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) match what is on your site and your Google My Business profile.
Step 2: Optimize your Business or Company Website
Now let’s talk about your company website and how it can be set up for Local SEO success.
Here are the key ways to optimize your site for Local SEO:
Shout Out:
The more opportunity you have, within your content, to mention the town, city, or location you’re targeting the better!
NAP:
Once again, ensure the Name, Address and Phone number listed on the site is consistent with the information listed on Google My Business.
Business Schema:
Add local business schema to your homepage
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- Local business schema is a type of structured data markup code you can add to your business’s website to make it easier for search engines to identify what type of organization you are and what you do. This is a helpful way to help optimize your website for local SEO, as it’s a major ranking factor.
Step 3: Generate Positive Reviews
Acquiring more positive reviews is the hardest part of Local SEO as it requires a third party. On the backend of your Google My Business, you’ll locate a button that will generate a shortened link. This link takes people directly to the review form of your Google My Business listing!
Make Sure to list this link wherever you can! Here are a few suggestions:
- Your Customers: Email the link to past & current customers/clients who had a positive experience with your business. Ask if they would like to take the time to review your company.
- QR It: Turn the link into a QR code to use out in the field. Have it printed on business cards, flyers, etc.
- Tag Your Own Signature: Put the link in your email signature. Highlight it with the words “Review us on Google”
We hope this has been helpful and gives some great steps on how to improve your business rankings on the Local SEO Google Map pack. Are you looking to improve on your SEO and Keyword research for your business? Resolve is here to help! Reach out to us today, we’d love to discuss how you can grow your business online! We’ll walk you through how to develop a plan that drives results for your company!
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