Local SEO differs from traditional SEO in that it targets specific locations. When used strategically, local SEO can help your business appear in Google Map Pack results when someone searches within your geographic region for product or service offerings.
Conduct an in-depth keyword research of local keywords before optimizing your website for those words.
Keyword Research
Keyword research is an integral component of any local SEO campaign, helping to uncover keywords your target customers are using to search online and create content tailored specifically to those searches.
Conducting local keyword research will also increase your chance of being featured in geo-targeted search results (known as Map Pack results) alongside organic results and make an impressionful statement about your business.
Use free tools such as SE Ranking, SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner to perform local keyword research. They will give you a list of keywords along with their search volumes and difficulty levels so you can choose your target terms based on these metrics; perhaps selecting those which require more effort but have higher conversion rates as examples.
On-Page Optimization
Optimizing websites with quality on-page SEO is of utmost importance for local businesses. Aside from displaying the name, address and phone number (NAP) clearly on their websites, businesses must also ensure these details remain consistent across the Internet.
Goal #2 is to develop high-quality backlinks relevant to both your niche and target region, using traditional link building methods or by taking advantage of partnerships, guest blogging opportunities and local events.
Last but not least, you should focus on gathering reviews from local sources. According to a 2021 study by Reviewtrackers, reviews are one of the key components in ranking in local search and pack results, so it is crucial that your company acquires quality customer reviews through authoritative citation sources like Yelp, Bing Maps and Facebook.
Off-Page Optimization
Off-page SEO encompasses various techniques designed to affect the rankings of your website outside your direct control, such as link building, social media marketing and brand mentions.
Link quality should always come before quantity, and only link to sites that enhance the content on your own blog or submit them for SEO reasons. Doing this can reduce clutter in your own writing as well as unnecessary submissions of links for SEO purposes.
Local off-page SEO involves improving your Google My Business profile, using schema markups to increase visibility on search engine results pages (and maps), and making sure all reviews on third-party sites are positive. It is especially essential for newer businesses that must establish credibility quickly, while brand mentions can further aid off-page SEO strategies.
Link Building
Local SEO marketing is an online strategy designed to increase the visibility of your website for geo-targeted keywords in search engines, increasing its chance of being discovered by customers and leads – and thus expanding business operations.
One of the cornerstones of local marketing is local link building. Similar to SEO techniques, local link building focuses on building links from businesses within your community by guest blogging, submitting content to local resources, or getting featured in local news articles.
Partner with local businesses in your area to generate local backlinks. Be wary, however; Google penalizes websites engaging in excessive link exchanges; it is best if these partnerships involve other businesses in your industry only.
Social Media Marketing
Local SEO strategies focus on search engine results in one particular location and can help a business increase visibility, attract more website traffic, and expand.
Conduct keyword research to identify keywords relevant to your business and its geographic area, or take a look at your competitors’ websites to see which words they’re using.
Use social media to drive attention to your local content. For instance, host a contest on Twitter where people submit snaps with geofilters applied, with the best submissions being featured in local newsfeeds – giving your business increased exposure and possibly leading to new customers! By using Markettailor as your marketing platform of choice, you can customize web content specifically tailored for target audiences.
