When you own or manage a local business, it is important that the people who search for you know you exist. For instance, a restaurant near Columbus is of no use to someone looking for a new sushi spot in Pittsburg. This is the importance of local SEO.
What is local SEO?
Local SEO is a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy that helps your business be more visible in local search results on Google. Local SEO allows local businesses to show up higher on a results page list, ensuring that someone looking for a financial planner in Central Ohio will get more results for local Columbus spots before a Cleveland business pops up. This is essential for local businesses to help them grow their local customer base.
Although oftentimes overlooked, particularly by small businesses, local SEO and understanding how it works can be a crucial aspect of running a local business and getting your name out into the town.
Who should use local SEO?
Local SEO should be utilized by businesses that have a physical location and would benefit from an increase in local customers. This tool is not domain-specific and can be used for any business, including restaurants, shops, healthcare, schools, and real estate agencies.
The point of local SEO is to ensure that your local business is on search pages for customers looking for your profession in your area. This can drive local sales and help customers shop small businesses in the community.
How to get started with local SEO
Getting started may seem like a daunting task, but a few simple steps can make a huge difference. Keeping the company website updated is a crucial step for SEO. Simple things like listing your products with important key words can really set you apart. When relevant key words are connected to your website, the user can easily find what they are looking for online and be directed to your local website.
Another easy thing to check off is updating your business hours, photos, and location on Google. This ensures that you can be found with ease by interested customers. You can also check Google My Business and Yelp to make sure your business is up to date and can be found by others. Once this is complete, you can ask loyal customers to leave reviews and help boost your business.
Next steps for local SEO
After you have the basics of Local SEO for your business, it is important to stay on top of it. This can look like uploading relevant and interesting content like blog posts and social media posts. Interacting with customers and responding or reaching out to them on social platforms can also gain traction and interest in your area. Keeping your customers engaged and interested is key with a website and social media.
If you are interested in more tips about local SEO, optimizing your digital presence, or standing out on social platforms, let’s chat!
