SEO Local is a type of search engine optimization designed to help businesses rank higher in Google’s local searches. It uses many of the same factors as regular SEO plus Google My Business pages, citations, and reviews. Virtually any business can benefit from local SEO because it gets them noticed in Google carousel or map pack results.
Keywords
Keywords sit at the core of local SEO. They help search engines match your content to specific searches, which raises your visibility in local results.
When picking keywords for a service business, include location modifiers. They tell search engines you are targeting customers in a specific area and offering service there. Use free or paid keyword research tools to build a list of relevant terms with competition levels and estimated traffic. These tools also show which keywords competitors rank for, giving you new ideas to target.
Local citations
Local citations are online mentions of your business that boost local SEO. They appear in directories like Yelp and Yellowpages, and they matter for Google Maps rankings and page one Google searches. To optimize them, keep your name, address, phone number, and website URL accurate across every listing.
Citations don’t need to link back to your site, but they are more valuable when they do. Consistent NAP information across all citations builds trust with Google and can lead to more customer visits or sales. Moz offers a local citation finder that can verify this consistency.
Reviews
Local SEO helps businesses operating in a defined geographic area get found on search engines like Google. Before using it, it helps to understand how Google ranks local search results.
Review signals account for 15% of local search ranking factors according to Moz, including review quantity, diversity, and the velocity of new reviews. Monitor and respond to online reviews to improve your chances of appearing in the local pack. A listing management tool like ReviewTrackers keeps track of all your listings, including Google My Business and consumer directories.
On-page optimization
On-page optimization is a core part of local SEO. It involves tailoring page-level elements like meta titles and content to match user search intent and adding keywords to website metadata so search engines understand what your site is about.
Schema markup makes it easier for Google to index your site, which improves search engine results. Hall Analysis offers a tool for adding Schema code easily.
Keep every piece of business information uniform across Google Listing, Carousel Listing, and local directories like Yelp. Check for misspellings, address or phone number discrepancies, and duplicate listings to improve your chances of appearing in the Carousel and earning more customer reviews.
FAQ
What is SEO Local?
SEO Local is a type of search engine optimization that helps businesses rank higher in Google’s local searches. It uses standard SEO factors along with Google My Business pages, citations, and reviews.
Why do reviews matter for local SEO?
Review signals account for 15% of local search ranking factors according to Moz. They include review quantity, diversity, and the velocity of new reviews.
What are local citations?
Local citations are online mentions of your business in directories like Yelp and Yellowpages. They support Google Maps rankings and page one Google searches, and they are most effective when your name, address, phone number, and website URL are accurate and consistent across every listing.
