For smaller businesses that rely on regional operation, local SEO is an integral part of their digital marketing strategy.
Unlike national search engine optimisation, local SEO prioritises higher ranking on SERP in specific locations. If your business doesn’t show up in local search results, it’s going to impact your revenue and long-term goals.
Some small businesses are new to SEO practices and wouldn’t know where to begin tackling the optimisation of their website. In this article, we’ll highlight five impeccable strategies that will almost certainly boost your local SEO.
Why Is Local SEO So Important?
To understand the importance of local SEO, we should look at who benefits from its implementation. If you are a lawyer, you will likely need local SEO. UK marketing agencies offer extensive local SEO services for law firms.
Doctors and clinics should also invest in local SEO. London SEO firms can ensure that your medical practice pops up first in the search results in your borough. The same approach applies to restaurants, plumbers, and other service-based businesses.
Essentially, the only businesses that don’t benefit from local SEO are eCommerce shops, private online sellers, and other exclusively online stores.
How to Step Up Your Local SEO Game
Once the benefits of local SEO are apparent, it’s time to implement specific and well-developed strategies. Consider asking for local SEO London-based services from your marketing agency if they don’t have it in their SEO package by default.
Whether you’re working with an SEO partner or optimising your website on your own, here are a few crucial tips to remember.
1. Google My Business Account Is a Must
If there’s one local SEO practice you can do, it’s optimising your Google listing, also known as Business Profile. It’s the most effective way to stay competitive against other local businesses in your niche, and why you need a Google My Business account.
All you have to do is enter all the relevant information into the dashboard. Simultaneously, that information will appear on your Business Profile, Google Maps, Google Search Knowledge Panel, and in your Google search local results. The key here is to always provide updated details and respond to customer reviews sincerely.
2. Ask Your Customers for Reviews
If a customer left your store particularly happy, you could ask them for a review. Glowing reviews are an excellent way to optimise your Google My Business presence.
But it also can encourage local customers to buy from you. A whopping 85% of customers view online reviews as a personal recommendation.
3. Create Content Based on Local News
What could grab the attention of a potential customer more than content that addresses a local issue? For example, you can write a blog post that describes a recent event or news story.
This is where the video format comes in handy. You can create videos about local charities or organisations you support.
4. Master the Local Keywords
Keyword research is crucial to any comprehensive SEO campaign. However, when it comes to local SEO, it’s important to hone in on local keywords specifically.
Also, try to mention region-specific hotspots and landmarks. For example, including Kensington Park in content when talking about important sights close to your business.
5. Dedicated Pages for Each Product or Service
When you’re trying to get your business going, it can be tempting to take shortcuts. This might look like you are lumping all the products or services you offer on one page of your website.
It’s vital to resist the urge to do so. Should you choose to dedicate a page for every product or service, it will increase your ranking possibilities. If you don’t have multiple services but different business locations, the same approach applies.
Making the Local SEO Work for Your Business
Are there really that many benefits from local SEO? UK-based businesses in particular can see a return on investing in local SEO, given the competition in some niches.
Yes, there are a few industries where local SEO doesn’t play a significant role, but most businesses should focus on this area of SEO extensively.
Keep in mind that local SEO is only one of the components of an SEO strategy. You still have to worry about optimising your website for mobile use and boost the speed at which pages are loading. For restaurants and clinics, local SEO can maximise revenue substantially.
