With 46% of all Google searches being people looking for local information, there is no doubt that local SEO is essential to small business success. Here are 8 ways to improve your local SEO right now.
What is local SEO?
Local Search Engine Optimisation involves the application of SEO tactics to specifically target local customers. This strategy will allow your business to rank in the area that you want to appeal to.
Local SEO is essential for small businesses as it can be extremely difficult to rank for general keywords that have already been targeted by much larger businesses. Using local SEO to target the specific areas will lead to a significant increase of quality customer conversions.
How to improve your local SEO
1. Create a Google My Business account
If your business does not already have a Google My Business account, this should be the first thing you do to begin your local SEO optimisation journey. It is the most effective way to rank higher on Google Maps and gain visibility in the local search engine results page. Ensure you provide accurate, up-to-date information and fully set up the account with logos and company information to gain the most of out of this platform.
2. Take advantage of online business directories
Some of the biggest online business directories in the UK include Bing Places, Yell, Yelp, 192.com, FreeIndex, Cylex UK, Hotfrog, Facebook, Bizify, and Opendi. Entering your business name, address, and phone number will help visibility and boost your local SEO. Your company listings should include the following as a minimum:
- Accurate business name, address, and phone number that is consistent across every directory.
- A backlink to your website.
- A thorough description of your business that is not just a copy and paste from your website.
3. Take pictures in the Google My Business mobile app
Taking photos via the Google My Business app in the location of your business will tell Google that you are a genuine business that they can trust, and in turn you will rank higher. You can also pay for a certified Google photographer to visit your location and take professional pictures of the interior and exterior of your workplace. As they are Google certified, they are seen as trustworthy and reliable by Google, so the upload process is fast-tracked and will positively boost your local SEO.
4. Optimise your website for mobile
With the data now showing that the majority of customers browse business websites on their mobile, having a mobile optimised website is essential for success. This can be done by ensuring your website loads quickly, using larger fonts that are easy to read, and using images and copy sparingly.
5. Focus on local keywords
With local SEO, your keywords should be specific to local customers. The Google Keyword Planner allows you to filter keyword searches based on location, and this can help you understand the popular search terms for a specific area. Be sure to include relevant location-specific landmarks in your website copy too, such as “located just minutes walk from the London Eye”.
6. Make use of location landing pages
Location pages are essential if your local business operates in more than one area. These pages should include the following information as a minimum:
- Opening hours
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Testimonials
- Promotions
- Parking availability
- Google Maps attached to each page
- Unique copy and description
7. Ensure you are getting consistent reviews
Getting your customers to write positive reviews for your business will both optimise your Google presence and encourage more local customers to visit and purchase from you. It should be common practice to respond to all reviews, whether they are positive or negative.
8. Create dedicated pages for each product/service you offer
Your local SEO isn’t as powerful if you group all of your products or services onto a single page, as Google will not associate your brand as an authority in one specific area. Instead, create a dedicated page for each product/service.
topclick has an excellent team and more than 20 years of experience, where we have gained priceless knowledge that will help us to deliver an expertly tailored SEO service for your specific business niche. As part of our service, we will give you regular updates, access to granular SEO reporting metrics; as well as a dedicated account manager to help you achieve the results you need. Contact us today for more information.