How Local SEO Can Really Put Your Business On The Map

Since your small to medium-sized business is constantly in competition with big brands, it needs to have its own spotlight within the local community.

The best way of doing this is by using local SEO and the right tools, knowledge, and marketing strategies for getting your business “on the map”. Local SEO allows people in the area to become aware of your services and products. It also integrates your brand into their consciousness, so that they are aware that you exist. 

Here we show you how to gain that competitive edge!

Why do I need SEO if I don’t run an online business?

local business

Many businesses think that just because their line of work isn’t online-based they don’t need to advertise it online. They think that’s best left for SaaS companies and e-commerce businesses. 

However, stats show that a whopping 97% of the public look for products and services that are local on their mobile devices or PCs. This equates to increased exposure of your business if it’s small and local. But you need a good SEO strategy for this to work most effectively. 

The good thing is, effective local SEO tools can make things easier and speed up the process. If you are uncertain where to begin, just speak to one of our professional Digital Strategists today and they’ll put you on the right path!

How can local SEO help me?

Local SEO is important for small and medium-sized enterprises to expose their products and services to the public who reside in the area or people who are visiting from other areas.

In fact, 80% of consumers use local searches when searching for products and/or services online in their local area. Google is highly aware of this and has adapted its algorithm to encourage local businesses to take part. Now both small and local enterprises can stand out against their competition, as Google gives users what they require.

Whenever you search for something on Google Maps, it usually provides a section with a local map and several suggested local businesses underneath. You’ll see this at the top of the SERP. The desired result of using local SEO is to get as high a ranking as possible to make sure your business gets featured in this section. 

Once you use Google Maps, different options appear. These options include restaurants, motels, coffee shops, night clubs, dog parks, outdoor dining, hotels, sports complexes, etc. These all appear before you even type in your search. Once you enter your search, Maps will automatically show the results of places related to it. 

Now, all these results you are seeing don’t just happen to “appear” because you are searching for something. They don’t appear through regular SEO – their special placings in Google Maps are due to local SEO.

Local SEO is the way to go if you want to get that competitive edge. So what are all the benefits gained through local SEO? Local SEO:

  • Allows your business to be discovered
  • Allows easy access to your business’ contact information
  • Makes your business stand out, which brings more exposure and foot traffic to your business
  • Gives potential customers information they may need regarding your products and services
  • Builds all-important brand awareness and allows your business to become a household name

7 Super tips for local SEO optimization

1. Create a Google My Business Account Immediately

Want a free way for your business to rank in Google’s local search results? Then create a Google My Business account as soon as possible.

All you need to do is fill in all the details of your business, link it to your business’ website, and add images that pertain to the specific products and/or services you offer. 

2. Take Advantage of Local Keywords  

Write down all the keywords that relate to your location and add them to the SEO strategies you are currently implementing, as well as to your website content and “My Business” list. Should your business be located near specific landmarks or popular destinations, add keywords that relate to those areas.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews

Reviews mean everything when people compare businesses to one another. Get friends and family to leave amazing, genuine 5-star reviews for your business, and encourage customers to do so via your website.

4. Use Location Page for Multiple Locations

Should your business be located in many areas, a different page (with its own unique content) must be created for each location. You’ll then use multi-location strategies to amplify your local SEO.  

5. Find Unique Ways to Mention Your Business Online

The more times you mention your business in any sort of content online, your local SEO ranking will improve. Just be certain to match the name of your business, phone number, and address to the information you already have in your “My Business” list. 

6. Optimize All Your Social Media Profiles

Today, social media is everything. According to Deloitte, most people check their Facebook accounts first thing in the morning. Getting noticed on big social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can have a huge impact on your business. 

You’ll want to be certain that all your social media’s profile information is the same as your “My Business” list. If it’s not, Google will refrain from recommending your business in location-specific search results.

7. Get Help from An Expert Digital Marketing Agency

If you don’t know where to begin or how to optimize the local SEO for your business, speak to one of our professional Digital Strategists today. They’ll put your business on the right track, so it leads to maximum online exposure!