So your business is not appearing in Google’s search results…
With so much competition across all industries, standing out and attracting local customers can feel like an uphill battle. So how do you ensure potential customers see your business when they search and how can you bring more website visitors?
This is where Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. By implementing effective local SEO strategies, your small business can gain greater visibility in local searches, attract more customers, and ultimately, stand out in the competitive online landscape.
Here are some of the things you can do 👇
Claim and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) listing
Imagine a free online space with your business name, address, phone number, photos, and even customer reviews. That’s exactly what Google My Business (GMB) offers. Simply search for “Google My Business” and follow the easy steps to claim your listing for free.
Think of it like setting up your online shop window: Fill in all the details accurately, just like you would on a real shop window. Add clear and inviting photos of your products, services, and team. This gives potential customers a good first impression, making them more likely to choose you.
When you put together your listing, you have the option to add various keywords related to your activity, location, and services or products, which can help you gain visibility when someone is looking for a specific service.
It’s also very important to gather reviews from previous clients in order to build trust with new potential customers. Respond promptly to both positive and negative reviews, thanking customers for their feedback and addressing any concerns professionally.
Focus on local keywords
Imagine someone typing “best [your service/ product] near me” into their phone. If those keywords are not on your website and Google My Business listing, you won’t appear anywhere near the Google results page – which is a missed opportunity.
That’s why you need to use “local keywords” on your website. These are words and phrases people in your area use to find businesses like yours.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a tech expert! Simply include your city, town, or neighborhood naturally throughout your website content, titles, and descriptions. For example, instead of writing “We offer delicious pizza,” you could write “We offer the best [city name]-style pizza in town!”
And if you serve multiple areas, a good strategy is to create targeted landing pages for each location, highlighting your services and expertise relevant to that community. However, the setup can be more difficult if you’re targeting more than 4 cities, but you can ask us for help.
Build local citations
Remember the Yellow Pages? There are online versions like Yelp, Bing Places, and your local chamber of commerce website. The good news? Listing your business is usually free and takes just minutes!
Think of it like spreading the word across the online neighborhood: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same across all your listings. This consistency helps potential customers find you easily.
Also, encourage customer engagement on these online directories. Respond to reviews and answer questions on these platforms to demonstrate responsiveness and customer-centricity.
Get involved in the community
People love supporting businesses that care about their community. Volunteer for a cause you care about, sponsor a local event, or simply post about local happenings on social media. This shows potential customers that you’re invested in the community and builds trust.
Think of it like being a good neighbor: Get involved, be friendly, and show your passion for your local community. This creates a positive association with your business, making people more likely to choose you. As a bonus, your website and social media channels may get some traction due to the keywords associated with the local events.
Leverage the power of social media
Social media marketing helps you build community around your business. Connect with potential customers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Post interesting content about your local community, answer questions from potential customers, and participate in relevant conversations.
Think of it like having a friendly chat with your neighbors online: Be approachable, helpful, and show your personality. This helps build relationships with potential customers and encourages them to support your local business.
Use local SEO to stand out
By implementing these local SEO strategies consistently, you can improve your online visibility, attract more customers from your neighborhood, and establish your small business as a trusted and local authority.
Success in local SEO requires ongoing effort and refinement, but the rewards of attracting more customers and growing your business are well worth the investment.
And if there’s anything you need help with, you know where to find us. The first consultation is always free!
