Local SEO is a technique used to improve the visibility of a business and its website in search engine results for specific location-based searches, typically in close proximity to the business operations.
It is essential for businesses that serve a specific geographic area or have numerous physical locations and want to attract local customers to each of them. Here we look at what it is and its benefits.
What is Local SEO?
A comparison of traditional SEO vs local SEO services shows that traditional SEO focuses on improving your site’s visibility on a national or global scale, and local SEO focuses on improving your visibility in local search rankings.
Local SEO, also known as Local Search Engine Optimisation, refers to the various digital marketing strategies employed to enhance the online visibility and prominence of businesses, products, or services in local search results on search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Local Search Engine Optimisation services are especially important for businesses with a physical presence or those catering to specific geographical regions. It enables them to engage with local customers and attract more foot traffic to their brick-and-mortar stores or generate potential customers from the local community.
Local SEO is an ongoing process that requires businesses to continually adapt and refine their strategies to align with changes in search engine algorithms and evolving user behaviour.
What Are The Key Areas Of Local SEO?
Local Search Engine Optimisation services cover a range of key areas and strategies to optimise a business’s online presence for local search. By addressing the below key areas through SEO services for businesses, companies can improve their online visibility in local search results and connect with local customers:
Google My Business (GMB) Optimisation
A critical element of local SEO, claiming and using a Google My Business to provide accurate and complete information about your business ensures you have a local knowledge graph in your location.
Keyword Research
Identify and target relevant local keywords that potential customers might use in their searches – including location-specific terms that help your business appear in local search results.
Content Creation
Developing high-quality, location-specific content that addresses the interests and needs of your local audience. Content includes regular blog posts, articles, event listings, and service pages that focus on local topics.
Local Link Building
Acquiring high-quality backlinks from local and authoritative websites and getting mentioned in local news sources can be beneficial for this area.
Online Reviews and Reputational Management
Encouraging and managing online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and industry-specific review sites as positive reviews can enhance your reputation.
NAP Consistency
Inconsistent NAP information can confuse search engines and customers. It is vital you ensure consistency of your business’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) across all assets.
Local Citations
List your business on various online directories, local business directories, chamber of commerce websites, and industry-specific directories.
Why Local SEO For Businesses Is Important
In the online world, local SEO for businesses is a game-changer and by improving online visibility in local search results, businesses can gain a competitive edge. Local SEO plays a pivotal role in the success of small businesses, in particular, as it enables them to reach their most valuable audience – local customers. This targeted approach allows them to connect with customers actively seeking products or services in their immediate area.
Furthermore, local SEO is a cost-effective marketing strategy. SME businesses typically operate on tight budgets, and local Search Engine Optimisation helps make every marketing penny count. Instead of casting a wide net with traditional advertising methods, local SEO allows for precise targeting, in turn reducing the marketing spend whilst enhancing the ROI, making it a sustainable and efficient choice for SMEs.
What Are The Benefits Of Looking At Your Local ONLINE STRATEGIES?
Local SEO efforts are essential for businesses to maintain and improve their online presence, attract more local customers, and stay competitive in their target market. Below you can find the key benefits of local SEO for businesses:
- Improved online visibility through better SERP performance.
- Stay informed about what your competitors are doing in terms.
- Get valuable data and insights into what’s working and what isn’t – helping you make informed decisions.
- Enhanced user experience on your website.
- Increased organic traffic through new keyword opportunities.
- Better CVR by identifying conversion bottlenecks and optimising your website.
- Monitor and secure new online reviews and customer feedback to manage your online reputation.
- Respond to reviews and address customer concerns.
- A better understanding of where your online and offline customers are coming from informs decisions about expanding or targeting specific geographic areas.
- Monitoring allows you to allocate your marketing budget more efficiently.
- By tracking and comparing your local performance, you can set benchmarks and targets – allowing you to measure progress and strategy effectiveness.
How Bidmark’s SEO services for businesses can help
Bidmark’s local SEO optimisation services can provide several benefits to enhance your SEO and online visibility. Contact us today to see how our local search engine optimisation services can help you improve your positioning with the local community.
