In our previous article, “Is your business invisible online?” we explored how things as small as meta titles and descriptions are pivotal and how you can use them to shine a spotlight on your business.
When it comes to attracting local customers, your business’s online presence is just as important as its physical location – even if you’re not set up for online sales (yet). Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your business become more visible in local search results on Google. Any business that has a physical location or serves a geographic area can benefit from it. If you’ve ever searched for “best coffee shop near me” or “car repair in Gloversville,” then you’ve used local search. These results are tailored by Google to prioritize local businesses that match the search query.
Why Local SEO Matters
The importance of local SEO cannot be overstated, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. Why?
Because it puts more eyes on your brand name.
Local SEO helps your business stand out in searches, making it more likely that potential customers will visit your site and eventually your store.
It drives local traffic.
Optimizing for local search attracts more visitors from your specific area, which can lead to increased foot traffic and sales.
Local SEO builds community connections.
By appearing in local search results, your business becomes a recognized part of the community, enhancing local engagement and customer loyalty.
Claiming your Google Maps & Google My Business Pages
One of the most effective ways to improve your local SEO is by claiming and optimizing your Google Maps and Google My Business (GMB) listings. Google Maps shows your physical location and provides directions, making it easier for customers to find you. Google My Business allows you to manage your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. You can update your business information, post updates, respond to reviews, and more.
Five Practical Steps to Optimize Your Local SEO
1. Claim Your Listings
Ensure your business is listed in Google My Business and on Google Maps. This is the first step in gaining control over your online presence. Mustang Valley Sanctuary has boosted their visibility by showcasing customer testimonials about their horse rescue efforts and keeping their listing up-to-date with events information.
2. Optimize Your Information
Provide comprehensive and up-to-date information about your business. Include your business name, address, phone number, and hours of operation, like our friends at Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, who also use videos to enhance user experience on their GMB listing.
3. Encourage Reviews
Customer reviews are a goldmine for improving trust and visibility. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Canada Lake Store & Marine keeps their GMB listing simple and informative, letting their 4.7 star review, with more than 100 happy customers, speak for itself!
4. Use Local Keywords
Incorporate location-based keywords into your website content. For instance, The Foundation of Fulton Montgomery Community College integrates terms like “non-profit organization in Montgomery County, New York ” to capture more relevant searches, and of course, the Foundation links back to their attractive, high-functioning website, too.
5. Create Local Content
Developing content that speaks to local news, events, or activities, like our client Parker’s Flowers, can lead to more excitement. Parker’s has effectively used their GMB listing to display engaging photos and video updates that showcase local flowers in bloom, attracting more local and walk-in customers. More walk-in customers has resulted in their practically perfect 4.9 star GMB listing with 119 positive Google reviews!
Thinking Differently About Local SEO
To further enhance your local SEO efforts, consider the following innovative approaches:
Engage in partnerships with other local businesses to create link-sharing opportunities or co-host events.
Use local hashtags and location tagging on social media platforms to increase local engagement.
- Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as a significant number of local searches are done on mobile devices.
By making the most of these local SEO strategies, you can significantly improve your business’s local searchability, too, attracting more customers and establishing a stronger presence in your community. Remember, local SEO is not a one-time setup but an ongoing process that needs to be updated and refined as your business and the digital landscape evolve.
Need Expert Help with Your Local SEO?
If optimizing your local SEO seems overwhelming, don’t worry—me and my team at Emery Designs are here to help. With extensive experience in digital marketing and a specialized focus on local SEO, we can help your business show up on search results and stand out from the competition. Whether you need assistance with your Google My Business profile, keyword strategies, or creating compelling local content, Emery Designs has the expertise to boost your online presence effectively. Reach out today to start making your website a local favorite!
