Despite the benefits of Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO), many local business owners are not utilizing it effectively. By ignoring Local SEO, they are missing out on a significant opportunity to increase their sales and online presence.
Local SEO is a strategy that helps businesses increase their search engine visibility by getting listed on online directories and business listings. This article discusses the importance of Local SEO and who can benefit from it.
What is Local SEO?
If you’ve searched for “coffee shops near me” or “best Mexican restaurant in Manila,” you have already seen Local SEO in action. Local searches are queries that restrict search results to relevant outcomes within a specific location. Local SEO helps businesses establish a digital presence and display crucial business details, such as their address, operating hours, and contact information, on online directories such as Google My Business, Yelp, Foursquare, and Yellow Pages.
Why is Local SEO Important?
Globally, around 33,000 local searches occur every second. These searches are made by potential customers interested in specific products or services. By ignoring Local SEO, businesses are losing the opportunity to target these customers. However, even without a website, businesses can utilize Local SEO by creating a Google Business Profile, allowing them to appear on Google Maps.
Here are additional reasons why you need to create a Local SEO strategy:
Get Inbound Leads
Local SEO connects businesses with potential customers searching for specific products or services in their vicinity. With a strong online presence, Local SEO becomes a valuable business strategy that generates organic traffic and leads.
Drive Foot Traffic to Your Physical Location
Around 72% of people who searched for a local store visited one of the search results. By being visible through relevant searches, Apple Maps, or Google Maps, businesses can add their physical address to potential customers’ list of options.
Stay Competitive
Businesses must be visible online to remain competitive, regardless of their size. Online visibility through Local SEO ensures that businesses reach their target customers, even in a crowded market.
Get Local Reviews
Having local reviews available online can increase conversion rates by up to 270%. Positive reviews help attract more customers, while negative feedback can improve a product or service. Online business directories are a useful tool for gaining reviews.
Improve Mobile Searchability
Approximately 58% of local searches worldwide are completed through mobile searches. Local SEO helps businesses show up in search results completed through mobile devices. Moreover, around 88% of people who complete a mobile search visit or call the store within 24 hours.
Google 3-Pack
The Google 3-Pack is a group of three local suggestions that Google includes in search rankings when users make local inquiries. This feature provides users with relevant local results alongside SEM ads and organic search results. An experiment indicates that users trust 3-Pack results more than paid ads and often call establishments through the 3-Pack results.
Types of Businesses That Need Local SEO
Businesses that do not provide virtual services or operate eCommerce platforms need Local SEO to gain online traffic. Here are some of the most common types of businesses that need Local SEO:
- Restaurants and Cafes – Whether you’re a small coffee shop or a high-end restaurant, you need to be easily found by potential customers searching for a place to eat nearby.
- Retail Stores – Physical retail stores, especially those selling unique and niche products, benefit greatly from Local SEO.
- Service-Based Businesses – Plumbers, electricians, salons, and other service-based businesses rely heavily on local customers, and Local SEO helps them reach those customers.
- Healthcare Providers – Doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers also need to reach local patients, and Local SEO can help them appear in local search results.
- Real Estate Agents – Real estate agents need to be visible in local search results to attract potential buyers and sellers in their area.
- Home Services – Cleaning companies, handymen, and other home service providers benefit from Local SEO by reaching potential customers in their area.
How to Get Started with Local SEO
Now that you understand the importance of Local SEO and who needs it, let’s discuss how to get started with Local SEO.
- Claim your Google My Business Listing – Google My Business is a free tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Google Maps. Make sure to claim and verify your business listing to appear in local search results.
- Optimize your Business Profile – Complete your business profile with accurate and updated information, including your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours.
- Get Listed in Online Directories – In addition to Google My Business, make sure to get listed in other online directories like Yelp, Foursquare, and Yellow Pages.
- Use Local Keywords – Incorporate local keywords into your website content, such as your location, neighborhood, or city name.
- Get Local Backlinks – Backlinks from local websites help improve your local search ranking. Reach out to other businesses in your area and ask for a link exchange.
- Encourage Reviews – Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing and other online directories. Positive reviews can help improve your search ranking and attract more customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Local SEO is crucial for businesses that rely on local customers to grow. By optimizing your online presence, you can increase your visibility in local search results, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately increase your sales. Start implementing Local SEO strategies today to stay ahead of your competition and reach your target audience.
Share if useful to your audience!
Get a free site audit!