Local Search Optimization

Benefits of Local SEO

• Local SEO is highly targeted and timely

  The top reason people perform local searches is to find a local business. The second common reason is to find a product or service that can assist in their urgent needs. Most local searchers are looking for a specific business’ name, but many who search don’t have a specific business name in their mind when they begin their hunt. By using local SEO tactics you can better position your business and its services to promote what you have to offer to local customers when they’re looking for a business like yours. There’s no better time to connect with a potential customer than when they really need you.

• Mobile Internet is on the rise

  With the rise of mobile consumers and cheaper data, the is a rise in the usage of mobile phones or tablets to find the best local businesses when they’re on the go. In fact, mobile digital media time in the US has increased to 51% when compared to desktop use at 42%. Local SEO covers both PC and mobile internet access, meaning you never miss out on a potential customer, regardless of whatever device they’re on. Read more about Mobile Internet here

• Local Search has the highest conversion rate of all advertising channels

  Online directories (like JustDial, Craigslist, Foursquare, etc.) display a business’ name, address, phone number and sometimes additional information (like a menu or business description). Local directories dominate the first page of many local search results. Local directory marketing (just one of many local SEO strategies) has a higher conversion rate than other more traditional advertising options – up to 50% conversion on some directories. That means that by getting your business accurately listed on as many quality online directory sites as you can, you’ll convert 1 in 2 leads into an actual customer. Read more about the same here

• Local SEO gives high returns on investment

  Unlike traditional forms of advertising (e.g.leaflets, local newspapers, direct mail, etc.), local SEO limits wasted exposure. You reach potential customers when they need you – not when they don’t. This makes Local SEO both efficient and cost-effective.

  

• Stronger Local Community Outreach

  Local SEO enables you to reach out to audiences that would be best suited to the services that your organization provides. For example, if you’re a lawyer, you can reach potential clients that are the closest to you and would find your services best suited to their needs. When local SEO is done right, your firm would be pushed to the top and the inbuilt CTA of ‘call us’ would be a prominent factor for giving you a high ROI.

• Establishes Brand Credibility

  Search results that are displayed on the first page of Google and those that also appear within the first few results, are more likely to be trusted by online visitors. When your website is displayed at the top, it shows that you sell products or offer services that are needed by customers that want to improve their lifestyle. The content and information on your site is not only relevant but also useful in terms of solving the problems of users. Hence, improved rankings establish brand awareness and credibility.

  

• Consistent Results

  When you commence with paid ads, the results cease to show, the moment you stop with your campaigns for the adverts. However, this is not the case when it comes to organic search engine optimization. You might not see the results of your efforts overnight but your site’s ranking will improve gradually. In other words, the result is more consistent than paid ads. If you have the ability to create fresh, useful and customer-centric content, the ranking will automatically improve without having to invest heavily. Read more about the same here

Here are some key tips that can help one achieve good rankings with Local SEO:

• Website Localization

  The process of ‘localizing’ your website means that you must include the locations of your city, country or region throughout your website. If you’re a business that operates in various regions you can create separate pages or content hubs for specific regions.

• Claim your Google My Business listing

  Claiming your Google My Business (GMB) page is an imperative part for letting your business and its services display on Google platforms such as Maps and local search results. GMB should be the first step you take while localizing the digital presence of your business.

  

• Manage reviews and ratings

  Honest and genuine reviews are critical for showcasing the quality of your service as well as for signalling to search engines that your site and service are trusted and useful. The number of reviews you receive, their quality and the authority of the review are all crucial factors for local search rankings.

  

• Getting relevant, quality backlinks

  Backlinks that are obtained from websites that are well-regarded by search engines help recognize your site as a genuine source of information and boosts the ‘prominence’ aspect of the local search algorithm. Links from local influencers such as bloggers, bloggers and business associations can all help improve your search visibility in the local SEO context.

• Citation Building

  Citation building means to ensure your site features on citation sites and online business directories. This not only helps customers find your business but if you feature your company’s Phone, Address, Name and website URL (PANW) on citation sites and online directories improve your chances of ranking higher on a local search improve drastically.